TJH E] 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

WITHIN THE FIELD OF THE 

Presbytery of Westchester, 

SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 
1 660-1 889. 



By WILLIAM J. CUMMING, 
Stated Ci.erk. 



HARTFORD, CONN. : 
Press of The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Company. 
1889. 



PREFACE. 



' I A HE General Assembly of 1886 adopted, on the recommenda- 
-L tion of the Permanent Committee of Arrangements for the 
One Hundredth General Assembly, the following : 

"That . . . it be urged on all Churches, Presbyteries, 
and Synods ... to arrange for the collection and publica- 
tion of the facts of their history, and that the Presbyteries and 
Synods be requested ... to forward two copies to the 
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and to the Presbyterian 
Historical Society, respectively." [Minutes of the General 
Assembly, 1886, p. 16.] 

The preparation of a history of the Presbytery of Westchester 
was undertaken, at their request, by their historian, the late Rev. 
Charles W. Baird, D.D., who had been for years gathering mate- 
rial for a " History of the Church within the field of the West- 
chester Presbytery." A few weeks later he finished his earthly 
course. The stated clerk was elected in April, 1887, to fill the 
vacancy. To him it seemed best simply to attempt a collection 
of material in its historical connection. It has been his aim to 
make the work as complete as its necessary limitations would 
permit, to secure the greatest possible accuracy, and to render 
its contents available by serviceable indices. The hope that no 
errors will be found is not to be entertained. 

The entire collection of historical material, made by the late 
Dr. Baird, was very kindly placed at his disposal by Mrs. Baird, 
for which he desires to make grateful acknowledgment. 

The following list gives the principal sources from which the 
facts presented in this work have been gleaned : 

PRESBYTERIES. 

Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, 1 vol. (Presbytery of 
Hudson.) 

The Constitution and Records of the Associated Westchester Presbytery, 
1 vol. (Constant White, Esq., Yorktown, N. Y.) 



iv 



PREFACE. 



Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, 3 vols. (Presbytery of West- 
chester.) 

Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, 1 vol. (Presbytery of West- 
chester.) 

Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, 3 vols. 

The Presbytery of New York, by Rev. Samuel D. Alexander, D.D., 1888. 
The History of the Presbytery of Hudson, by Rev. Henry A. Harlow, 1888. 
Historical Sketch of the Presbytery of North River, by Rev. J. K. Wight, 
1S81. 

CHURCHES. 

Bedford (N. Y.) : 

A Brief History of the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. P. B. Heroy, 1874. 

The History of the Bedford Church, by Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D., 
1882. 

Bethany (N. Y.) : 

A Historical Discourse, by Rev. George W. F. Birch, D.D., 1888. 
Bridgeport First (Conn.) : 

Memorial of Rev. Nathaniel Hewit, D.D., by Rev. Lyman Atwater, D.D , 
1867. 

Deep River (Conn.) : 

Records (Ms.) 1856-1862. (Presbytery of Westchester.) 
Greenburgh (N. Y.) : 

A Sermon, by Rev. J. L. Howell, i860. 

Manual, 1878. * 
Hartford First (Conn.) : 

Historical Address, by Rev. J. Aspinwall Hodge, D.D., 1886. 
Irvington (N. Y.) : 

History of the Presbyterian Church, 1876. 
Mahopac Falls (N. Y.) : 

Historical Sermon, by Rev. Charles C. Wallace, 1878. 

Historical Sermon (Ms.), by Rev. Harris R. Schenck, 1884. 
New Haven First (Conn.), Formerly South Reformed: 

Records (Ms.), 1873-5. (Presbytery of Westchester.) 
New Rochelle (N. Y.) : 

A Historical Sketch of the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. E. R. Burkhalter, 
1876. 

Annual Statement, 1888. 
Peekskill First (N. Y.) : 

Memorial of a Twenty-Four Years' Pastorate, 1868. 

Semi-Centennial Anniversary, 1876. 
Peekskill Second (N. Y.) : 

Manual, 1872. 
Rye (N. Y.) : 

History of Rye, by Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D., 187 1. 
South-East Center (N. Y.) : 

Historical Sermon, by Rev. A. R. Macoubrey, 1877. 
Stamford First (Conn.) : 

Manual, 1869. 



PREFACE. 



V 



Thompsonville First (Conn.): 

Historical Discourse, by Rev. Carson W. Adams, 1867. 

Memorial of Rev. Joseph Harvey, D.D., by Rev. Henry F. Lee, 1873. 
Yonkers First (N. Y.) : 

Manual, 1856. 

Manual, 1887. 
Yorktown (N. Y.) : 

Church Records, Hanover, Nov. 15, 1786. (Constant White, Esq., York- 
town, N. Y.) 

Historical Sermon with Supplement, by Rev. W. J. Cumming, 1877. 
White Plains (N. Y.) : 

A Sermon, by Rev. Edgar L. Hermance, 1884. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Historical Notes (Ms.) collected by Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D. 

Historical Notes (Ms.) collected by Rev. W. J. Cumming. 

Civil Status of the Presbyterians in the Province of New York, by Rev. 
Charles W. Baird, D.D. Magazine of American History, October, 1879. 

Sketch of the Religious Privileges of Van Cortlandtville, by C. A. Pugsley, 
1881. 

Complete History of Connecticut, by Benjamin Trumbull, D.D. 
History of Putnam County, N. Y., by W. J. Blake. 

History of Westchester County, N. Y., by J. Thomas Scharf, A.M., LL.D., 
1886. 

Diary of Rev. Silas Constant (Ms.) (Constant White, Esq., Yorktown, 
N. Y.) 

W. J. CUMMING. 

Yorktown, N. Y., 

Aug. 1, 1889. 



• 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Early Churches of Westchester and Putnam Counties, N. Y. 

The Settlers, I. — The Early Churches, 4. — Houses of Worship, 5. — Ministe- 
rial Support, 9. 

CHAPTER II. 
Ecclesiastical Status of the Early Churches. 

Origin of the Early Churches, 12. — Faith and Polity of the Connecticut 
Churches, 12. — Synod of Saybrook and Saybrook Platform, 13. — "Con- 
sociationism," 14. — Polity of the Early Churches, 15. — Ecclesiastical 
Connection, 17. — List of Churches, 18. 

CHAPTER ill. 
Civil Status of the Early Churches. 

Royal Instructions and the Duke's Laws, 20. — The Act of 1693, 22 - — Gov- 
ernor Fletcher's Interpretation, 23. — Colonel Heathcote, 24. — Induction 
of the Missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Society into the Parishes of 
Westchester County, 25. — Opposition at Bedford, 25. — The Act of 1705, 
explanatory of the Act of 1693, 26. — Effects of these Acts in Westches- 
ter County, 27. — Efforts towards a Repeal, 28. — Presbyterian Churches 
unable to secure Incorporation, 28. 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Presbytery of Dutchess County. 

Organizational. — Recognized by the Synod of New York and Philadel- 
phia, 32. — Rolls, 33. — Meetings, 39. — Ministerial Education, 39. — Mis- 
sionary Operations and Benevolent Work, 40. 

CHAPTER V. 
The Presbytery of Dutchess County Continued. 
The War of the Revolution, 41. — -The Federal Constitution, 47. 



viii 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Presbytery of Dutchess County Continued. 

Changes in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, 48. — Causes of Dis- 
solution of the Presbytery, 51. — Stated Clerks, 53. — Biographical Sketches, 
53- 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Associated Westchester Presbytery. 
Origin of the Associated Presbyteries, 58. — Organization of the Associated 
Westchester Presbytery, 62. — Constitution, 63. — Rolls, 64. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Associated Westchester Presbytery Continued. 

The Division at Yorktown, 71. — Size of Presbytery, 79. — Theology and 
Polity, 80. — Meetings, 81. — Mission Work, 82. — Narratives, 82. — Cate- 
chisms, 83. 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Associated Westchester Presbytery Continued. 
# Charges of Heresy, 84. — Ecclesiastical Connection, 85. — Dissolution, 90. — 
Biographical Sketches, 92. / 
CHAPTER X. 

The Presbyteries of Hudson, New York, and North River. 

The Presbytery of Hudson, 95. — The Presbytery of New York, 96. — The 
Presbytery of North River, 98. — List of Churches, 99. 

CHAPTER XL 
The Presbytery of Bedford. 
Erected, 102. — Rolls, 103. — Church Extension, 112. 

CHAPTER XII. 

The Presbytery of Bedford Continued. 

Revivals, 115. — Additions and Total Communicants, 116. — Narratives, 117. 
— Temperance, 117. — Sunday Milk Traffic, 117. — Visitation, 118. — Sab- 
bath Schools, 119. — Collections, 120. — Trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith, 
124. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The Presbytery of Bedford Continued. 

Reception of Ministers and Licentiates from Corresponding Bodies and other 
Presbyteries, 128. — Testimony against the New Theology, 129. — Loose 
Methods of receiving Ministers, 130. — Committee-men in the General 
Assembly, 130. — The Act and Testimony, 131. — General Assembly of 
1836, 132. — General Assembly of 1837, 135. 



CONTENTS. 



ix 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Presbytery of Bedford Continued. 

Division of the Somers Church and Trial of Ebenezer White, M.D., 137. — 
Division at Red Mills, 138. — New Rochelle Church, 139. — Dissolution 
of the Presbytery, 141. — Permanent Officers, 142. 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Presbytery of Connecticut. 

Erection, 143. — Rolls, 144. — Church Extension, 147. — Enlargement by Trans- 
fer, 150. — Union with the Presbytery of Bedford, 151. — Church Exten- 
sion of the united Presbyteries, 151. — Attempted Union of Churches, 152. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The Presbytery of Connecticut Continued. 

Spiritual Life, 154. — Statistical Reports, 1 55. — Reunion of 1869, 158. — The 
State of the Country, 160. — Permanent Officers, 163. 

CHAPTER XVII. 
The Presbytery of Westchester. 
Erection, 164. — Presbyteries formerly in the Field, 164. — Rolls, 165. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Presbytery of W t estchester Continued. 

Church Extension, 179 — Losses, 182. — Spiritual Life, 183. — Statistical Re- 
ports, 184. — Women's Missionary Societies, 186. — Changes in the Con- 
stitution, 187. — Death of President Garfield, 192. — Abstracts and Printed 
Minutes, 192. — Incorporation, 192. — Permanent Officers, 193. 

APPENDIX. 
Indices. 



Index of Dates, ........ 195 

General Index, . . . . . . . . 203 



CHAPTER I. 



The Early Churches of Westchester and Putnam 



^7 OR the beginning of the Presbyterian Church within 



1 the field of the Presbytery of Westchester, we must 
look to Westchester and Putnam Counties, N. Y., and to 
their earliest settlement. Three distinct streams of immi- 
gration flowed into these counties in the 17th century, and 
through three different channels — the Hudson, Long Island 
Sound, and the Indian paths. 

The Hollander came first and pushed his way northward 
along New York's great river, and founded settlements upon 
its banks. Purchases of land from the Indians were made 
as early as Aug. 3, 1639. By 1697, the entire river front 
was embraced in the manors of Van Cortlandt and Philips- 
burgh, and the " Ryck's Patent." There seem to have been 
Dutch settlers at Tarrytown by 1641. It is believed that in- 
terments were made in the Old Dutch Churchyard at that 
place between 1645 and 1655 ; without doubt there was a 
saw-mill at Yonkers as early as 1649, anc ^ settlers at Ver- 
planck's Point by 1685. Between 1685 and 1690, the old 
Dutch church was built at Tarrytown. 

The English came next. They founded Hartford in 1636, 
and New Haven in 1638. The Sound gave to the latter 
colony ready access to Long Island, and easy and safe com- 
munication with regions to the west. Villages sprang 
up in rapid succession in both quarters. Land was acquired 
in large blocks with indefinite boundaries from the Indians 
by purchase. Typical Yankee enterprise was stimulated by 
the Dutch claim to territory extending as far eastward as 



Counties, N. Y. 




1 



2 WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES, N. Y. 



the Connecticut River. April 2, 1655, Thomas Pell of Fair- 
field, Conn., laid claim to what is now called Westchester, 
under an Indian conveyance of Nov. 14, 1654. Shortly after 
the tract was settled from New England. Jan. 3, 1660, the 
first purchase was made by residents of Greenwich, Conn., 
of land in the vicinity of Rye. In July or August follow- 
ing, actual settlement probably took place. 

Four years later ten families from Fairfield, Conn., under 
the auspices of Thomas Pell, who had been the leader in the 
migration to Westchester, located in the neighboring East- 
chester. Most of the land along the Sound and the East 
River having been taken up, the colonists pushed into the 
interior by the Indian paths. Twenty-four men, with their 
families, from Stamford, Conn., in March, 1681, settled upon 
the cultivated lands of the Indians at what is now Bed- 
ford. These had been secured from the natives by purchase, 
Dec. 23, 1680, for ^38 15J. The inhabitants of Rye had 
taken as they supposed, title to the White Plains, Nov. 22, 
1683. Settlement was retarded, however, until about 1720, 
by the conflicting Richbell Patent. Thence immigration 
pushed rapidly through North Castle to the western and 
central portion of the Manor of Van Cortlandt, to what is 
now called Cortlandt, Yorktown, and Somers. By 1730 a 
sprinkling of settlers had occupied most of the cultivated 
lands of the Indians, and by 1750, the entire manor had be- 
come populated. The names of the settlers reveal that many 
of them came from Rye, New Rochelle, and Eastchester ; 
others were from Long Island, Harrison's Purchase, and 
Ridgefield. 

May 30, 1708, with the permission of the General Assem- 
bly of Connecticut, certain residents of Norwalk, Fairfield 
County, and Milford, New Haven County, among whom were 
some bearing the familiar names of Keeler, Bouton, and 
Whitney, purchased of the Indians a large tract, afterwards 
known as the Ridgefield Patent. The condition imposed 
was that settlement should be effected within four years. 
It is presumed that this was done, as letters patent were 



PHILIPSE PATENT. 



3 



granted to the same parties May 22, 17 14. The boundary 
survey of 1731 showed that 50,000 acres of this tract lay in 
the " Oblong " or " Equivalent Lands," as they were called 
at the time, which by agreement between the authorities of 
the Colony of Connecticut and the Province of New York, 
made in Nov. 1683, were awarded to the latter as an offset 
to the loss of the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, 
Norwalk, New Canaan, and a part of Wilton. 

By 1730 settlers from Connecticut had entered Philipse 
Patent, now Putnam County, and established for themselves 
homes in the present town of South East. Ten years later 
(1740), civilization had found its way to Carmel, and in 1745 
families of Scotch extraction located at Patterson. It was 
not until 1743 that Pound Ridge was occupied by the white 
man and its soil laid under tribute. A few families from 
Stamford made the first settlement. 

After the Dutch and English came the Huguenot. The 
revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 drove them from 
their native land. A goodly number of them arrived in 
1686 or 7; the largest contingent landed at Bonnefoy's Point 
in 1689. They settled on a portion of the Pelham Manor, 
6,000 acres in extent, purchased by Jacob Leisler from John 
Pell ; their descendants are found in all portions of the 
county. 

It has not been our purpose to sketch fully the history 
of the settlement. Many points of interest have not been 
touched, and portions of the territory have received no 
attention. We have only attempted an outline by way of 
preparation for what is to follow. 

The Puritan and the Huguenot sought the western con- 
tinent for conscience sake. The Hollander, though coming 
for a different purpose, brought with him both preacher and 
teacher. The description given of the Pilgrim Fathers by 
their minister and elder fairly well represents them all : 
"We are all well weaned from the delicate milk of our 
mother country and inured to the difficulties of a strange 
land ; the people are industrious and frugal. We are knit 



4 WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES, N. Y. 

together as a body in a most sacred covenant of the Lord, 
of the violation whereof we make great conscience, and by 
virtue whereof we hold ourselves straitly tied to all care of 
each other's good, and of the whole. It is not with us as 
with men whom small things can discourage." The Dutch, 
French, and English were for the most part Calvinistic in 
theology, and Presbyterian or Independent in polity. 
Among the latter were a few Baptists, many Friends, and a 
sprinkling of the Church of England. We are fully aware 
that the charge has been made against the people by the 
missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Society and even by 
Col. Heathcote that they were irreligious. The latter says 
that " many, if not the greater part of them," were " a little 
better than in a state of heathenism." He also writes — 
"When I first came among them (1692), I found it (West- 
chester) the most heathenish county I ever saw in my whole 
life, which called themselves Christian, there being not so 
much as the least marks or footsteps of religion of any sort, 
Sunday being the only time set apart by them for all manner 
of vain sports and lewd diversions." Heathcote had a rem- 
edy for this fearful condition of irreligion. We give his 
own words — " Having the command of the militia, I sent 
an order to all the captains, requiring them to call their men 
under arms, and to acquaint them, in case they would not 
in every town agree among themselves to appoint readers 
and pass the Sabbath in the best manner they could, till such 
times as they could be better provided, that they should 
every Sunday call their companions under arms and spend the 
day in exercise." This may have been true of some localities, 
but that it represents the condition of the people at large 
is not borne out by the facts. It is to be remembered that 
these critics were zealous members of the Church of Eng- 
land, who were prejudiced against dissenters. The good 
Colonel's method may have been used in favor of the church 
to which he belonged. 

From the very outset the people of each settlement had 
it in mind to gather themselves into a church, erect a house 



THE DUKE'S LAWS. 



5 



of worship, and call a minister as soon as possible. To this 
they were incited by the laws of Connecticut, to which col- 
ony some of the plantations originally belonged. The Gen- 
eral Court looked very carefully after the religious interests 
of the colonists within its jurisdiction. It chides the Rye 
people for not taking "due care to procure such an one as 
might carry on the work of the Lord on the Sabbath. May 
19, 1 68 1, it directed the committee appointed to look after 
the affairs of the "plantation upon the Hopp Ground and 
adjacent lands [Bedford] ... to take care that there be a 
suitable lott layd out for the first minister of the place, and 
a lott for the ministry, to be and belong to the ministry for- 
ever." In the province of New York the Duke's Laws, 
framed from the laws then in force in New England, made 
provision by taxation for the building and repair of churches, 
the care of the poor, and the maintenance of the ministry. 
In 1662, two years after the purchase and settlement of 
Rye, the people set apart three acres on Parson's Point for 
the minister's use. To this more was added later. The 
Bedford people as soon as they were on the ground, March 
21, 168 1, resolved that "the town common " should be re- 
served, " and the meeting-house should be set upon the com- 
mon so layd out, namely the rock called Bates his hill." 
Provision was made later for the minister by setting apart 
land for his use or by gift. 

The deed by which John Pell and Rachel, his wife, con- 
vey to Jacob Leisler 6,000 acres, in what is now New 
Rochelle, for the Huguenots, mentions a gift of 100 acres 
"for the French Church erected or to be erected." Other 
settlements were not less earnest in making provision for 
religious service — Eastchester by 1665, Westchester 1674, 
White Plains 1727, Yorktown 1738, South East 1735, South 
Salem 175 1, Gilead 1756, Patterson 1759, Pound Ridge 
1760, North Salem 1764, Sing Sing 1768, and Red Mills 
(Mahopac Falls) 1784. 

The settlements were not always able to provide a build- 
ing or secure a minister at once. Rye had no completed 



6 



THE EARLY CHURCHES. 



church edifice for sixty-seven years and no settled minister 
for seventeen years. Westchester waited nearly twenty 
years for bot*h. Yorktown was without a house of worship 
for eight and stated preaching for thirteen or more. Others 
again were more fortunate. Bedford had a pastor in three 
years and a church in ten. South East could boast a log 
house of worship in 1735, five years after the coming of the 
first settlers, and a minister by 1740. 

Such facts do not indicate that during these years the 
people were destitute of religious privileges. Services were 
held, when there was no pastor, consisting of prayer and the 
reading of the Scriptures and of a sermon. We have an 
account of one, witnessed by the Dutch Commissioners at 
Westchester, as early as 1656. "Mr. Baly made a prayer 
and Mr. Bassett read a sermon." It was probably at such 
meetings at Rye in 1669, that John Coe and Marmaduke 
Smith, who were represented to the General Court of Con- 
necticut "as unsound and heterodox in their judgments, if 
not scandalous in their lives," taught. The Bedford people 
offered, October 15, 1689, t0 erec t a frame house of worship, 
if Mr. Abraham Ambler, Sr. of Stamford, would come up 
as often as he could conveniently to carry on the Lord's day 
services. In 1692, at Eastchester, Samuel Casting was 
chosen "to read the bibell and other good sermon-books, 
and so carion the sabath days Exercises as according to our 
Honorable Col. Heathcuts order unto us," for which he was 
to receive a certain compensation contributed by the people. 

Bedford belonged to the parish of Stamford, twelve miles 
distant. Rye was only six miles from Greenwich. South 
Salem was at first included in the Ridgefield Patent. 
Doubtless the ministers of the older churches, from which 
the settlers came, for the time being retained the spiritual 
oversight of their old parishioners. On special occasions, as 
Fast Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Sacrament Sabbath, the 
inhabitants of the new plantations would find their way back 
to the mother churches. Certainly after the Revolution, 
because they had neither minister nor house of worship, 



CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. 



7 



some of the residents of Rye were attendants of the Second 
Congregational Church at Greenwich. Their fathers may 
have done the same a century earlier. The Huguenots of 
New Rochelle, according to tradition, in the early days when 
without a pastor, would set out on Communion Sundays at a 
very early hour, walk to the old French church at Pine 
Street, New York City, a distance of twenty miles, and re- 
turn again the same day. We have the same authority for 
the statement that some of the residents of Yorktown 
attended services occasionally at White Plains (twenty miles). 

The vitality of the religious instincts of the early settlers 
and the success that attended their efforts to establish the 
worship of God is shown by the existence of a religious ser- 
vice, and some form of church organization in all the settle- 
ments in this county in 1700. At that date in the province 
of New York, there were thirty-six churches — fifteen Dutch 
Reformed, four French Reformed, one German Reformed, 
thirteen English Presbyterian, two German Lutheran, and 
one Church of England. Of these we are concerned with 
but five — the Huguenot at New Rochelle, and the churches 
at Rye, Bedford, Westchester, and Eastchester. By October, 
1762, when the Presbytery of Dutchess county was organized, 
these five had become nine, situated in Westchester and that 
portion of Dutchess county now known as Putnam — Rye, 
Bedford, White Plains, South East, Yorktown, Gilead, South 
Salem, Patterson, and New Rochelle. At Eastchester and 
Westchester under cover of the Act of 1693, the dissenters 
were put out of their houses of worship by the royal Gover- 
nor, who inducted missionaries of the Church of England. 

In some cases one or more out-stations were attached to 
a church, where preaching services and prayer-meetings were 
held under the supervision of the pastor and session. York- 
town had two, where, later, organizations were effected. 
Samuel Sacket, the first pastor, officiated occasionally, per- 
haps statedly, at Peekskill and Red Mills. His successor, 
Silas Constant, followed his example. From 1785-1791 he 
preached at the former place every two or three weeks, but 



8 



THE EARLY CHURCHES. 



later apparently less frequently. The records of the York- 
town church show an annual subscription from 1 787-1 802 
of ^33, 6s., 8d. by the " Peekskill Trustees" or " Peekskill 
Society." At first the meetings were held in private houses ; 
after the building of St. Peter's Church at the old village, in 
it. An effort seems to have been made to secure it for a 
Union Church " by the Presbyterians in 1 788. By July, 
1797, a "new meeting-house" had been erected in the pres- 
ent village, probably upon' the site now occupied by the 
First Church. ( Mr. Constant also attended to the religious 
needs of Red Mills. By 1784 a house of worship was erected, 
which was followed by a separate church organization Sep- 
tember 12, 1790. 

In 1 788 a Congregational Church was gathered in Green- 
burgh, at what is now known as Elmsford. It was reorgan- 
ized June 18, 1825, as a Presbyterian Church, and received 
under the care of the Presbytery of New York October nth 
following. The people of Stephentown, now Somers, erected 
a house of worship on the Plain in 1799. September 7, 1806, 
it was called the Union Meeting-House, and a society was 
organized. In 1808 the church became known as "The 
Congregational Church of Somers." It was connected with 
the Associated Westchester Presbytery. 

Religious services in the early settlements were held in 
private houses, or during the summer months in the open 
air. At Rye the people met for worship with Timothy 
Knapp.* Better accommodations were early provided. A 
log church was built at South East in 1735. There were 
houses of worship in the towns of Eastchester and West- 
chester by 1700. Before 1762 all our congregations were 
housed comfortably for the day for the most part in framed 
structures, better than the homes of those who worshiped 
in them. A church edifice was built near Sing Sing to ac- 
commodate the Presbyterians resident in that section in 1768. 

We have already spoken of the provision made by the 
fathers of the Presbyterian Church within our bounds for 

* Baird's History of Rye, p. 279. 



1 



THE SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY. 9 

the worship of God. We come now to speak more fully of 
the support of the ministry. Situated as the early settlers 
were it was no easy duty to fulfil. Their own expenses 
were extraordinary, and their resources were limited. The 
first years after their coming were those of hardship and 
privation. Log houses were to be constructed, the cultivated 
lands were to be fenced, the forest to be felled. Preparation 
must be made for the rigorous northern winter with which 
they were not unfamiliar. Their time was fully occupied, 
and money was scarce. Hardly any specie was in circula- 
tion before the French war of 1745, and paper money was 
not issued in Connecticut until 1709.* To provide for a 
minister according to our present method was out of the 
question. It is a matter of interest to learn how these diffi- 
culties were met. The usual method was the setting apart 
of land for the minister's use. The amount varied from a 
few acres to a good sized farm. This was done at Rye, Bed- 
ford, New Rochelle, Yorktown, South Saleta, and Mahopac 
Falls. There are instances on record of a gift of land to 
individual ministers. Thomas Denham, who had the honor 
of being the first settled minister at Rye, and later at Bed- 
ford, was thus provided for at both places, and was also 
granted proprietary rights. William Tennent received from 
.the town of Bedford more than three hundred acres as part 
compensation for his services.! I n addition to the use or 
gift of land a stipend was allowed varying with the places 
and times from ^"io to ^100. Two different methods were 
employed to raise it. In Connecticut originally the inhabit- 
ants were called upon to " set down " what they were willing 
to give. In case of refusal "to pay a meet proportion," pro- 
vision was made for rating "in some just and equal way." 
This rate could, if withheld, be collected by the civil powers. J 
Later a general system of taxation was adopted. In those 
portions of Westchester county, which were under the juris- 

* Baird's History of Bedford Church, p. 30, foot note, 
t Baird's History of Bedford Church, pp. 50-54. 
t Baird's History of Rye, p. 283. 
2 



10 



THE EARLY CHURCHES. 



diction of Connecticut, this method was employed. It was 
enacted in the Duke's laws of 1665 in the province of New 
York. In Rye and Bedford, the town made provision for 
the ministry, and we have the record of the action taken. 
At the town meeting of the former November 17, 1670, a 
committee was chosen to secure a minister, and it was voted 
to allow " two-pence on the pound for the maintenance of a 
minister amongst us ; that is to say, an orthodox minister."* 
In May of the following year (1671) the General Court ap- 
pointed a committee to visit Rye in the matter of settling a 
minister, and in certain contingencies they were empowered 
to find, the man and " insure to him a mayntenance to the 
value of forty pounds p r annum, which the treasurer, by 
warrant to the constable of sayd Rye, shall order the gather- 
ing and payment thereof, with the Country Rate."f In Bed- 
ford all the temporalities of the church were cared for at the 
town meeting. Arrangements for the carrying on the church 
services, the calling of the minister, the fixing of the salary, 
the erection of a church edifice, the obtaining of a home lot, 
and the construction of a parsonage were attended to there. 
The system of taxation was continued until the Revolution, 
but after 1704 or 5, with the exception of a brief interval, the 
rates went to support a minister of the Church of England. 
So far as our investigation has gone, the remaining churches 
were supported from their origin by voluntary contributions. 

A few examples of calls with compensation promised 
may not be amiss. 

"december 26, 1699 : The town [Bedford] by a maigor 
vote doth agre to give unto Joseph Morgan upon his com- 
ming to carry on ye ministry amongst us, seuerall particklars 
as followeth for his settlement : 

" ily to give him all yt rit of land e medow which the 
Town bought of Mr. Amblere e of his son John upon the con- 
disions of his comming and macking his abode three years 
with us. 

*Baird's History of Rye, p. 274. 

t Public Records of Connecticut, vol. ii, pp. 142-3 (Baird's Rye, p. 274). 



A CALL FOR A PASTOR. 



I I 



" 2nly To build him a house two story high, twenty- 
seven foot long e twenty on foots wid with a leantu e a 
chambar chimbly, the condishans that if Mr. Morgan liveth 
e dyeth with us the house shall be his on e his ayres for 
euer, e othirwise if Mr. Morgan see cause upon any account 
to leave us, he shall pay to the town the ually of the chardg 
yt by an account taken thereof shall be giuen. 

" 3ly To giue him for maintainance for the first year 
forty pounds in good currant prouision paye and plant and 
mannure four acres of Land. 

"4ly To maniage for years following and till ten acres of 
Land for winter grain — the produce of ye same for him 
yerly — and twenty pounds in good currant prouission paye 
and more hereafter as god shall inable us if he stands in 
need thereof — two pounds of the same to be Delivered at 
Stamford or horseneck, if he Desires it. 

" 5ly To cut and cart to his Dore all his fire wood from 
yeare to yeare. 

"61y to transport him and his family to bedford or to be 
at ye charg theire of."* 

William Tennent's stipend was forty pounds per annum. f 
. Samuel Sacket was called to Hanover (now Yorktown), at a 
salary of ^65, parsonage and twenty-five cords of wood.f 
As money was scarce the stipend was oftentimes paid in 
what was called provision pay, which was rated in 1703 at 
Bedford as follows — winter wheat at 49. 6d. per bu., rye 
3-s - ., flax 6d. a lb., beef, \\d. a lb., pork 2\d. a lb. 

At the organization of the State government all rates 
were abolished, and since then the churches of all denomi- 
nations have been supported by voluntary contributions. 
Gifts of land are no longer made. The glebes have grown 
smaller and the stipends larger. Provision pay is now a 
thing of the past. 

* Heroy's History of the Presbyterian Church at Bedford, pp. 6 and 7. 
t Baird's History of the Bedford Church, p. 56. 
% Historical Sermon, Yorktown, p. 10. 



CHAPTER II. 



Ecclesiastical Status of the Eaidy Churches. 
HE English in number were greatly in the majority, as 



* compared with both the French and the Dutch, and to 
them we are indebted for all the early Presbyterian congre- 
gations save one, New Rochelle, which is the child of the 
Reformed Church of France. The English came from Con- 
necticut and its plantations on Long Island. Their religious 
views were those of the places from which they had migrated. 
The religious establishment of that colony was their church, 
and that church they sought to establish in their new homes. 
We can best understand the nature of the offshoot by an 
examination of the parent stock. 

The inhabitants of Connecticut in 1665, according to the 
commissioners of Charles II, were "for the most part . . 
rigid Presbyterians." Gov. Leete writes, July 15, 1680, 
" Our people in this colony, are some strict Congregational 
men, others more large Congregational men, and some mod- 
erate Presbyterians ; and, take the Congregationall men of 
both sorts, they are the greatest part of the people of the 
colony." The Synod of Saybrook (1708), and the Platform 
which they drew up, seen in the light of the causes which 
called it into existence, and of the attendant circumstances, 
seem to indicate a strong Presbyterian minority, with the 
balance of power in the hands of the moderate Congrega- 
tionalists. 

The doctrinal belief of the churches, according to Dr. 
Trumbull, the historian of Connecticut, was Calvinistic and 
their polity Congregational. We have the same authority 
for the statement that " during the term of about seventy 




THE SYNOD OF SAYBROOK. 



*3 



years from the settlement of Connecticut [1636-1706] the 
Congregational had been the only mode of worship." At 
the latter date the state of the churches, we are told, was 
lamentable with respect to general order, government, and 
discipline. Many of the churches ran into confusion from 
want of a more general and energetic government. Councils 
lacked the power to relieve the aggrieved or restore peace ; 
and oftentimes councils were called against councils. It was 
not possible to bring difficulties to a final issue. 

To meet these difficulties the General Court of the col- 
ony, May 13, 1708, summoned a Synod to meet at Saybrook. 
The ministers in each county, with the messengers from the 
churches, were to meet on the last Monday of June " to con- 
sider and agree upon those methods and rules for the man- 
agement of ecclesiastical discipline, which by them shall be 
judged agreeable and conformable to the word of God." 
They were also to appoint two delegates to the Synod, which 
was to compare the results of the deliberations and draw up 
a form of ecclesiastical discipline and report to the Court at 
New Haven in October. 

The Synod recommended the adoption of the Savoy Con- 
fession, the Heads of Agreement "assented to by the united 
ministers, formerly called Presbyterian and Congregational," 
and fifteen rules for the administration of discipline. Ac- 
cording to these rules discipline in the individual church was 
vested in the elder or elders, subject to the consent of the 
brethren. Pastors and churches in each county constituted 
one or more consociations, before which all cases of scandal, 
occurring within their bounds, were to be brought. The 
judgment of the consociation was to be final. Refusal to 
obey such decisions on part of pastor or church was to be 
followed by the sentence of non-communion. The teaching 
elders in each county constituted an association, which was 
to meet twice each year for consultation and the determina- 
tion of questions of common interest. In it was vested the 
power of examination and recommendation of candidates 
and the summoning of councils for the trial of their own 
members. 



14 ECCLESIASTICAL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. 



"Though the Council were unanimous in passing the 
platform of discipline, yet they were not all of one opinion. 
Some were for high consociational government, and in their 
sentiments nearly Presbyterian ; others were much more 
moderate and rather verging on Independency ; but exceed- 
ingly desirous of keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond 
of peace, they exercised great Christian condescension and 
amicableness towards each other." (Trumbull's Complete 
History of Connecticut, p. 487.) The Saybrook Platform 
was adopted by the General Court and became the religious 
constitution of the colony. Though strenuously opposed by 
some of the churches, it was accepted by most. 

By the adoption of the Saybrook Platform the Savoy Con- 
fession became the creed of the churches. According to 
the Heads of Agreement, however, the doctrinal portion of 
the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England and 
the Westminster Confession and Catechisms were doctrinal 
equivalents. The Platform, too, established " consociation- 
ism " as a constituent part of the ecclesiastical machinery 
for the government and discipline of the churches. "The 
Consociation," according to Rule IV of the Litchfield North 
Consociation, "is a Standing Council, both judicial and ad- 
visory, competent to ordain, dismiss, and discipline Pastors ; 
unite, organize, and discipline churches ; to revise the decis- 
ions of the constituent churches, and to consult their general 
welfare." Article II, Old Consociation of Fairfield County, 
asserts the power of the Consociation "authoritatively, ju- 
ridically, and decisively to determine ecclesiastical affairs." 
Opinion on this subject was divided in the colony. Most of 
the churches held that it was a Presbytery, while a minority 
esteemed it only a stated Council. "Dr. Bellamy (1744), 
held that a church receiving the Saybrook Platform departed 
from Congregational principles." " Consociationism leads 
to Presbyterianism ; Presbyterianism to Episcopacy ; Episco- 
pacy leads to Roman Catholicism ; and Roman Catholicism 
is an ultimate fact " — is the testimony of Dr. Emmons. 



THE POLITY OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. 



15 



" Scarce any are ignorant that the discipline in Connecticut 
verges towards Presbyterianism " — writes John Cotton of 
Plymouth (1772). 

We have a very conclusive statement from the Hartford 
North Association (1799), to the effect "that the constitu- 
tion of the churches, founded on the common usages and 
Confession of Faith, Heads of Agreement and Articles of 
Church Discipline, adopted at the earliest period of the 
settlement of that State, is not Congregational, but contains 
the essentials of the government of the Church of Scotland 
or Presbyterian Church in America, particularly as it gives 
a decisive power to ecclesiastical councils ; and a Consocia- 
tion, consisting of ministers and messengers, or a lay repre- 
sentative from the churches, is possessed of substantially the 
same authority as a Presbytery. . . . The churches, there- 
fore, in Connecticut at large, and in our district in particular, 
are not now and never were, from the earliest period of the 
settlement, Congregational Churches, according to the ideas 
and forms of church order contained in the Book of Disci- 
pline, called the Cambridge Platform. There are, however, 
scattered over the state ten or twelve churches [unconso- 
ciated], which are properly called Congregational." The 
polity of the Connecticut churches in the eighteenth century, 
therefore, as a whole was a compromise between Congrega- 
tionalism and Presbyterianism. 

Our early churches were founded by Connecticut Con- 
gregationalists or Presbyterians, and no doubt all shades of 
opinion were represented. The deed to the land upon 
which the Yorktown church stands, which stipulates that it 
is for the use of a Presbyterian congregation exercising 
worship "according to the form of worship used and ex- 
ercised by the now established Presbyterian Church govern- 
ment in that part of Great Britain called Scotland, and for 
no other purpose or intent whatsoever," the existence of 
an eldership as early as 1763, and the division of 1806, may 
indicate the presence of a strong Presbyterian element. 
The apparent willingness of the Salem people to adopt 



1 6 ECCLESIASTICAL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. 

the Presbyterian polity (Sept. 29, 1763) looks in the same 
direction. 

On the other hand, we discover apparently strong Con- 
gregational tendencies in the churches of the Philipse Patent 
and of North Salem. The Second Church (Patterson) was 
without a bench of elders until 1804, the First Church (South 
East) until 1827, North Salem until 1832, and the West 
Congregation (Gilead) until 1835. The apparent absence of 
friction in most of our churches in the change from con- 
sociation to Presbytery, the rapid extension of the Asso- 
ciated Presbyterian movement, and the return again to the 
Presbyterian Church, bear witness to the presence of a large 
number, to whom either denomination was acceptable. The 
churches of Rye, Bedford, South Salem, South East, Pat- 
terson, and Gilead were originally connected with the old 
consociation of Fairfield County and later with the Eastern 
Consociation of the same county. Most of the early pastors 
were from that colony. Among the few exceptions were 
William Tennent and Samuel Sacket. The churches to 
which they ministered were the only ones with ruling elders 
prior to the organization of the Presbytery of Dutchess 
County. 

Various influences were at work to bring about a change 
in ecclesiastical connection. The settlement of the boundary 
dispute, which politically separated the English settlers in 
the province of New York from their nearest neighbors on 
the east, the fact that the affiliated churches over the border 
belonged to an establishment from which they were neces- 
sarily cut off, the influence of William Tennent and Samuel 
Sacket, who were members of Presbyteries, of Elisha Kent, 
" who favored an influential and decided authority " over the 
churches, of Joseph Peck, a graduate of Princeton, of 
Solomon Mead, who with Kent and Peck formed the Pres- 
bytery of Dutchess County, and of John Smith who had 
united with the Presbytery of New York, the strong Pres- 
byterian sentiment of New York — these combined effected 
the slight change which took place. 



REPORTS OF AUXILIARIES. 



Bridgeport, First Church— The Secretary writes : " Our 
Ladies' Home Missionary Society has been in existence for 
more than one hundred years. For some time after the 
American Home Missionary Society was organized they sent 
boxes only, but dear* Mrs. Palmer felt that the ladies might 
do more, and a new effort was made to secure weekly pledges 
to aid the work of the National Societies of the Congrega- 
tional denomination. The weekly pledge system has con- 
tinued to find favor, and has brought into the treasury much 
money for Evangelical work in our own land." 

Bridgeport, South Church. — This auxiliary has contributed 
to the work of all the National Societies, has paid a share of 
the salaries of two missionaries, has sent generous supplies to 
families and schools, and has also remembered the treasury 
of the Union. The President writes : " We hope that each 
successive year will find us able to do much more than in 
the past." 

Bristol. — The Secretary writes : " This Society continues 
to meet every two weeks, as has been the custom for the 
last fifty years. It now numbers forty, and has devoted its 
efforts to filling barrels with clothing, which have been sent 
to Colorado, Dakota, and Kansas. The last two were sent 
to Rev. Emanuel Richards, of Buffalo Park, Kansas. 

Canton Center. — Reports a season of special religious in- 
terest, amincreased membership, and one scholarship in the 
school at Williamsburg, Kentucky. 

Chaplin. — The interest and efforts of the president of this 
society have proved a great stimulus to its members. Their 
3 



i8 



contributions, in money, have been nearly six times, and 
including the large box of supplies which was sent this 
year, ten times as large as they were last year. Two shares 
have been taken in the salary of Miss Ella Hobart, and one 
in the salary of a teacher at Thomasville, and a gift has been 
sent by one member, for a church in Kansas. 

Columbia, Children's Mission Circle. — The Secretary re- 
ports a growing interest in the circle, with number of mem- 
bers twenty, five added during the year, and one Life Mem- 
ber of the Union. They have sent $20 (which amounts to 
one dollar for each member) to Miss Ella Hobart for her 
salary as missionary to the Bohemians and Poles. 

Cromwell. — Under its efficient leader this society has 
been enabled to do good work the past year. Since it 
joined the Union it has sent an offering to its treasury, and 
prepared with loving thought and care a box of supplies for 
the family of a Home Missionary. Its members anticipate 
with pleasure the annual meetings of the Union. 

D anbury. — On December 7, 1888, some young ladies of 
the Second Congregational Church formed a Young Ladies' 
Missionary Society Auxiliary to the Union. It was com- 
posed of seven members, and ten more have added their 
names to the roll. The society is paying the tuition and 
making clothes for one of the " mountain girls" in Ken- 
tucky. Two dollars and fifty cents has already been sent 
to pay tuition for the present term. The society has held 
five meetings with a good attendance. 

East Hampton. — No report. 

East Hartford, First Church. — The Ladies' Benevolent 
Society came into the Union in 1886. It holds its meetings 
regularly every two weeks, from October to June, with a 
good attendance. During the year they have sent a barrel 
to Mrs. Hubbard of Williamsburgh Academy, Kentucky, 
to aid her work among the mountain people, and also a 
barrel to the Connecticut Industrial School in Thomasville, 
Georgia. The members have also contributed generously 
towards an extensive addition to the chapel of their own 
church. 



i 9 



Ellington. — No report. 

Enfield. — The Ladies' Benevolent Society has completed 
another year of activity and usefulness. It has thirty-six 
members, and two Life Members in the Union, and has sent 
contributions to four of the National Societies. 

Essex. — Two years ago we voted to reorganize our For- 
eign Missionary Society, and devote half of our time and re- 
ceipts to Home Missions, and one year ago we sent our first 
offering to the Union. Our president and membership, 
which numbers fifty-five, is the same in both societies, but 
we have a secretary and treasurer for each. Our meetings 
have an average attendance of fourteen, are full of interest, 
and are held in alternate months. The exercises are partly 
devotional, and partly an attempt to gain an idea of the work 
in its various branches. We specially enjoy the devotional 
part, which consists of a portion of scripture selected by our 
president, which we read together and talk over informally, 
and this, with prayer and hymns, in which nearly all 
take part, gives good preparation for looking over the 
fields where the Lord's harvests are sown and gathered. 
Our offering is less than last year, but we hope the coming 
year will show gain in that, as well as in attendance at our 
meetings. 

Fairfield. — This auxiliary shows patient continuance in 
well-doing. It is systematic and regular in its contributions, 
and is aiding largely in the support of a missionary and bible 
reader among the Bohemians. It has also sent gifts to the 
New West work, and that of the American Missionary 
Association. 

Greenfield Hill. — Our ladies are few and scattered, but 
are deeply interested in the work of Home Missions. They 
hold about ten meetings in the winter months with an aver- 
age attendance of fifteen. The auxiliary has sent a valuable 
box to Mrs. Cobleigh of Walla Walla, W. T., and hopes to 
raise forty dollars for the missionary salary fund another 
year. 

. Grisivold. — The Secretary writes : " We are in sympathy 



20 



with all the good work of the Union. We have sent $33.65 
towards the salaries of two Home Missionaries in Washing- 
ton Territory, and $10 for the support of a teacher in the 
school at Thomasville, Georgia." 

Hartford, First Church. — The report of this auxiliary is 
inspiriting and hopeful. It represents several departments 
of christian effort. Many of its members are willing to give 
not only money, but time and service, to missionary work. 
Its contributions to the Union have been larger than at any 
previous time. All of the National Societies have been re- 
membered. The salary of a Home Missionary has been paid, 
and gifts of money and large supplies of household comforts 
have been sent to families of missionaries. Money has 
been sent to Whitman College, and by the special gift of two 
members Mrs. Cobleigh has been made a Life Member of the 
Union. Through the generous offering of still another donor, 
$1,000 has been given for a church building in Salt Lake city. 
In the death of Mrs. Emily A. Jewell this society has lost an 
honored member, one who delighted to help in the cause of 
missions, and was its true and loyal friend. 

Hartford, First Church) Parsonage Circle. — The fifth year 
has been a short and profitable one. A new impetus has 
been given by the addition of several new members, notably 
a class of young girls, whose enthusiasm and devotion may 
well prove a stimulus and example to their older associates. 
A box of prepared work has been sent to the Connecti- 
cut Industrial School, Thomasville, Georgia, also a large 
barrel and supplementary box of clothing to a Home 
Missionary at Bertrand, Nebraska. $100, a part of the 
proceeds of a lecture given by two young men for the 
benefit of the circle, was sent to the American Home Mis- 
sionary Society, towards the salaries of the Home Mis- 
sionaries. The Parsonage Circle of the First Church is not 
large in numbers, but it is doing its work faithfully as an 
auxiliary of the Woman's Congregational Home Missionary 
Union. Total given this year $280. 

Hartford, Park Church, — No report, 



21 



Hartford, Pearl Street Church. — Ladies' Home Mission- 
ary Society. The secretary reports a membership of seventy- 
six. New members, fifteen. Meetings held once in two 
weeks. Three boxes of considerable value have been sent 
to the families of Home Missionaries, and a gift in money 
to the Ladies' Hall of Whitman College. The social meet- 
ings of the church are of peculiar interest, and it has in con- 
nection with its Sunday-school a Chinese Mission. 

Hartford, South Congregational Church. — This society, 
with a membership of one hundred and two, met once a fort- 
night from November to April, with an average attendance 
of fifty. For more than half a century the work of pre- 
paring boxes has been continued with much enthusiasm, and 
three missionary homes, one north, one south, and one west, 
have been gladdened through their efforts. They have also 
contributed money for the salary of a Home Missionary. 
Two ladies in the church have sent a generous gift to 
Whitman College for the Ladies' Hall, and Mrs. George W. 
Moore has given a large sum towards the support of a mis- 
sionary family in the West. 

Higganum. — The secretary reports six meetings during 
the year. Though few in number, the interest has in- 
creased. " We have adopted the plan of mite boxes, and 
hope we shall all be aroused to deeper interest, and better 
work for the Master. Our society now numbers twenty- 
two." 

Huntington. — The secretary writes, " I am thankful that 
I can give you a better report this year than last, as we have 
a pastor and his family with us again. Our Home Missionary 
Society met and reorganized January ist. Three new mem- 
bers were added. The membership now numbers nineteen. 
Two meetings have been held which were attended with a 
good deal of interest and enthusiasm. The ladies raised 
five dollars at these meetings, which we voted to send to the 
mountain people of Tennessee and Kentucky." 

Kensington. — Our auxiliary organized June 29, 1888, and 
has a membership of thirty-two. We have held eleven meet- 



22 



ings, many of them in connection with the Foreign Missionary- 
Society, devoting one hour to each. We shall greatly miss 
our pastor's wife who has just left us for her new home in 
St. Paul, Minnesota. She was active in securing our organi- 
zation, and instrumental in raising one hundred dollars for 
Home Missions. One class in our Sunday-school has also 
aided us by its gifts. If we are not able to report as large 
receipts for the coming year, we shall at least do what we 
can. 

Kent. — This society is sustained by a faithful few, who 
cultivate the grace of Christian giving. They have contri- 
buted towards the support of two missionaries the past year, 
and aided in the general work of the Union. The secretary 
writes that they enjoy the letters, and put to good use all 
missionary literature sent them from the Union. 

Meriden, First Church. — The Guardian Society has a 
membership of thirty-four. Four have been added during 
the year, and there are three life members of the Union. 
The ladies are earnest in good work, and have given practical 
help in the direction of Home Missionary salaries. A con- 
tribution has been sent to the Union for that purpose. 
The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor have 
sent a valuable box to the family of a Home Missionary, 
which was reported through the Union. 

Milford. — The Benevolent Union of the First Church 
has a membership of forty-six. The meetings have been 
held regularly every two weeks through the year, and there 
has been an increase in the average attendance, and in the 
spirit of enthusiasm manifested in the work in which we have 
been engaged. There is now an unusual pressure of home 
work, as we are this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary 
of the organization of the church, and are hoping to beautify 
our church and build a memorial parsonage. The mission- 
ary letters received through the Union have been of much 
interest to us. The first of December we sent a barrel of 
clothing to Rev. Mr. Norris of Lawrence, Kansas, which was 
received the day before Christmas, and the assurance that 



23 



came back to us, that some hearts were filled with joy and 
made bright and happy on that day by our gift, brought 
to us a return of a hundred fold for the thought and labor 
expended. 

Nangatuck. — No report. 

New Britain, First Church. — Reports a membership of 
forty-four. It has been welcomed the past year into the sister- 
hood of the Union. It shows its deep interest in the work 
among the mountain people by a gift of $50 to the Normal 
Institute of Grand View, Tennessee. It has also sent sup- 
plies to a Home Missionary family, and to the American 
Missionary Association, and in addition to this a gift to the 
Union. 

New Britain, South Church. — Bi-monthly meetings have 
been kept up as usual through the winter, with a slight in- 
crease in attendance. A part of the time at each meeting 
has been devoted to the reading of letters from missionaries, 
or of articles relating to some department of the work. The 
result has been an increase both in interest and knowledge. 
Two barrels have been sent, one to a missionary at the 
west, and the other to the school at Williamsburg, Kentucky. 
We have also contributed towards the salary of two mission- 
aries. 

New Hartford. — The secretary writes, " This society was 
organized last January with a membership of forty-two. We 
meet fortnightly. Have been quite successful in our local 
work so' far, and have sent an offering to the Union." 

New Haven, College Street Church. — We have no sepa- 
rate Union meetings from our Ladies' Home Missionary So- 
ciety. These are held bi-monthly and are well attended. 
We have a supper for which we pay fifteen cents. The 
proceeds supply funds for our missionary boxes. The 
Young Ladies' Circle meet by themselves, and work for 
various objects. The auxiliary has contributed to the 
salary of a teacher at Thomasville, Georgia, the " Parsonage 
Fund," and to the Union. 

New Haven, Davenport Church. — This society has a mem- 



24 



bership of fifty-nine, and holds its meetings every two weeks. 
Having outgrown their chapel they have been enlarging their 
boundaries for missionary work. The secretary writes, "We 
enjoyed the annual meeting of the Union in Hartford last 
year, and hope to send a good delegation this year. We 
are glad to help wherever we can." 
Newtown. — No report. 

Norwalk, First Church. — This society, before joining 
the Union, sent a contribution of fifty dollars to its treasury 
in token of its friendly feeling. The president writes, " We 
are a very cordial, happy band of workers ; for many years 
we have done something for the National Societies besides 
the annual boxes, but for several .months we have felt a 
growing desire to keep step with our own State. We trust 
that this may be a very helpful year in the dear home-land 
work." 

Norwich, Broadzvay Church. — The society has hefe eight 
meetings with an average attendance of thirty-two."' The 
first box was sent to the Rev. Thomas Marsh, . Wallace, 
Kansas. A second was sent Rev. Charles Pohl, Collins- 
ville, Conn., and a third to Mrs. I. P. Hubbard, Williams- 
burg, Kentucky, to be used in her school amongftthe moimt- 
ain people. Our society has sent a contribution through the 
Union, to the Home Missionary Society, of $75.00, for sala- 
ries of missionaries. 

Plai?iville. — Our society held its semi-centennial anniver- 
sary April 1 ith. We could not but be thankful to God for the 
way in which He has led us in all these years. To Him be 
all the praise. The gentlemen members provided a bountiful 
supper entirely under their own supervision, which was 
greatly enjoyed. The year has. been one of increased 
interest ; our membership has more than doubled. We have 
sent ten dollars to the Union, five of which was to help Miss 
Hobart in the Bohemian work. We have also sent one 
barrel of clothing and bedding to Rev. J. S. Jewell, Albu- 
querque, New Mexico. Forty dollars from our treasury 
bought some of the articles, the rest, wholly, new was given 



MISSIONARIES OF THE GOSPEL PROPAGATION SOCIETY. 25 



at least so far as Eastchester was concerned, by passing an 
act making it a separate parish. It was not, however, 
approved by the house government.* 

Col. Heathcote seems to have had much to do with the 
coming of the missionaries of ' the Gospel Propagation 
Society to Westchester County. Joseph Morgan was at 
Eastchester when John Bartow, who had recently come from 
England, was inducted into the parish of Eastchester, West- 
chester, Yonkers, and Pelham by LorcJ Cornbury, Nov. 19, 
1702. At this time Westchester was without a pastor. 
April, 1 704, Thomas Pritchard was made rector of the parish 
of Rye, Mamaroneck, and Bedford. A few months later he 
was recalled, and in 1705 George Muirson took his place. 
Most, if not all, of the churches of these parishes were used 
for the services of the Church of England. 

There is abundant evidence of dissatisfaction among the 
people. Bartow writes that the means employed at East- 
chester to prevent and disturb his settlement were frustrated 
by Lord Cornbury. He complains later of the burden of 
planting the established church " amongst prejudiced, poor, 
and irreligious people." The vestry in some parishes in the 
province declined to allow the rector to take part in their 
proceedings, and sums raised by taxation were paid towards 
the support of the dissenting minister.! No. 62 of Lord 
Cornbury's instructions implies it. The strongest and most 
persistent opposition within our bounds took place at Bed- 
ford. John Jones was then (1702-1705) pastor. The oppo- 
sition to Pritchard and Muirson was led by him and Zacha- 
riah Roberts, justice of the peace. Jones preached with 
great bitterness. The people were thoroughly aroused. 
Minister and justice were arrested and taken before the 
Governor and Council, who compelled the one to give secu- 
rity in ^25 for his appearance and remanded the other to 
the- custody of the sheriff until the next session of the 

*Scharf's History of West. Co., Vol. II, p. 723. Baird's History of the 
Bedford Church, p. 34. 

t Baird's Civil Status, p. 604. 
4 



26 CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. 

Supreme Court. One of the incumbents calls the inhabi- 
tants of Bedford "a very wilful, stubborn people,"* and 
they were known much later " as the most rigid and severe 
of all the dissenters." 

Lord Cornbury, in his address to the Assembly in 1705, 
speaks of these " difficulties, which some very worthy minis- 
ters of the Church of England have met with in the getting 
the maintenance settled upon them," and recommends the 
passing of an act explanatory of that of 1693, in order that 
the troubles alluded to may not recur. He further recom- 
mends the extension of the act to the towns on the east 
end of Long Island. An act was passed, making better 
provision for the support of the ministry in the parishes 
named in the act of 1693. It was not extended to others. 
The right to induct was conceded to the Governor. The 
last section disclaimed any intention "to abridge or take 
away the Indulgence or Liberty of Conscience granted and 
allowed to any other Protestant Christians, by any Law, or 
Statute of the Realm of England, or of this Plantation ; 
anything in this Act contained to the contrary thereof, in 
any wise notwithstanding." f Subsequent legislation went 
no further. The Church of England, as an establishment, 
notwithstanding the efforts of the royal governors, was con- 
fined to the city of New York, the counties of Richmond 
and Queens, and to the two parishes of Westchester. 

John Jones left Bedford in 1705 and Joseph Morgan 
Eastchester in 1708. Through inability to support an 
Episcopal minister by taxation and a Presbyterian or Inde- 
pendent by voluntary contributions, Bedford was without a 
dissenting ministry for fifteen years (1 705-1 720) and Rye 
for twenty (1700-1720), In Eastchester and Westchester 
there was a silent acquiescence in the state of affairs, per- 
haps through the influence of the powerful Heathcote and 
the moderation of Bartow. Eastchester, however, enjoyed 
the services of William Tennent from November, 171 8, to 



* Baird's History of the Bedford Church, p. 38. 
t Baird's Civil Status, p. 603. 



EFFECTS OF THE ACTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY. 2J 

May, 1720. George Muirson and his successor, Christo- 
pher Bridge, in the rectorship of Rye, did much to conciliate 
the people of that parish. 1720, Tennent was called to 
Bedford and Buckingham to Rye. The opportunity was 
given by the vacancy of three years from the death of Mr. 
Bridge (May 22, 17 19) to the induction of Robert Jenney 
(June 7, 1722). During this period the rate was not 
gathered.* From this time to the Revolution both churches 
had pastors to their liking. 

The results in this county of the legislation to which 
we have referred, as enforced by the royal governors, was 
the loss to Presbyterianism of the churches of Eastchester 
and Westchester, the division of the Huguenot church of 
New Rochelle and the church at Rye, and the payment of 
rates for the support of a ministry, whose services they did 
not want. The church edifices at Eastchester, Westchester, 
and Rye, built at the expense of the several towns, were 
taken from the dissenters for the use of missionaries of the 
Gospel Propagation Society. Bedford alone retained its 
house of worship. At Rye the glebe passed into the pos- 
session of the rectors of the parish. Soon after 1720 a law- 
suit was instituted for its recovery. The dispute was in the 
courts until 1749, a period of nearly thirty years. A por- 
tion of the land seems to have been recovered.! 

It must not be supposed that no efforts were put forth 
• by the people for the repeal of a law which had been un- 
fairly interpreted. As early as 1699 a petition was pre- 
sented to the General Assembly and a bill was passed 
granting to every town full power to call and settle a minis- 
ter by a majority vote of the people. It failed to receive 
the approval of the Governor and Council, apparently be- 
cause in their judgment the royal instructions established 
the Church of England in the province. Nothing further 
seems to have been done for seventy years. A bill was in- 
troduced by Col. Lewis Morris, member for the Borough of 



* Baird's History of Bedford Church, p. 44. 
t Baird's History of Rye, pp. 296, 297, and 322. 



28 



CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. 



Westchester, April 8, 1769, entitled "An Act to exempt all 
protestants in the counties of Westchester, Nezu York, Queens 
and Richmond from any taxation for the support of the min- 
isters of the Episcopal denomination." It was passed May 
15th, but failed to receive the approval of the Council. 
November 30, 1769, John Thomas, a member from Westches- 
ter county, brought in a bill entitled " An Act to exempt 
protestants of all denominations from paying any clergyman by 
compulsory taxation" At the same session Charles De Witt 
of Ulster County presented one entitled "An Act to exempt 
the inhabitants of the counties of Westchester, New York, 
Queens and Richmond from taxation for the support of the 
ministers of churches to which they do not belong." These 
bills were amended and passed by the Assembly, but re- 
jected by the Council. It became evident that nothing 
favorable need be expected from the royal Governors and 
Council. The people were not relieved from their unjust 
burdens until the province of New York became a State. 

The royal Governors not only sought to effect the estab- 
lishment of the Church of England, but they refused to in- 
corporate the Presbyterian churches. This favor was granted 
to the Episcopal church of Rye December 19, 1764, and 
doubtless to others of the same denomination. Inability to 
incorporate, to the country churches, while an injustice, was 
no great injury — to the Presbyterian Church of New York 
it was a great inconvenience. They were obliged to convey • 
the fee-simple of their church property in Wall Street to a 
committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scot- 
land.* This was done in 1730. Dr. John Nicoll, a member 
of that church, who died in 1743, desired to make them 
residuary legatee, the income of the bequest to be used for 
the relief of their poor. He accomplished his purpose 
legally by making " the Moderator of the General Assem- 
bly of the Church of Scotland, the Moderator of the Pres- 
bytery of Edinburgh, the Principal of the College of 
Edinburgh, the Professor of Divinity therein, and the Pro- 



* Baird's Civil Status, p. 607. 



PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NEW YORK CITY. 29 

curator and Agent for the Church of Scotland," and their 
successors in office forever, trustees.! 

Six times between 1720 and 1775 that church applied for 
incorporation — four times to the Governor and Council and 
twice to the King in Council. The first was made in March, 
1720 — the Council of the province recommended that the 
application be granted. The rector and church wardens 
of Trinity Church objected, and the request was referred to 
the Lords of Trade, who took no action. Soon after it was 
renewed, but objection being again offered, nothing came of it. 

Four years later it was made for the third time and re- 
ferred a second time to the Lords of Trade ; and though 
their legal adviser, Mr. West, advised that " by law such 
patent of incorporation might be granted," no response 
came. In 1759 the fourth petition was made to the Council 
with no better result. Seven years later, in 1766, the Pres- 
byterian Church for the fifth time sought legal recognition 
from the King in Council. It was referred to the Lords of 
Trade, and by them to the Council in New York. The latter 
pleaded precedent ; the Archbishop of Canterbury saw noth- 
ing formidable in it, but thought it safe not to grant it. 
The Lords of Trade saw nothing unreasonable in it, but 
doubted whether the coronation oath would permit the 
King to comply. The sixth and last attempt was made 
in conjunction with other churches in 1775. It was to the 
same tribunal as before. The Governor, Tryon, was em- 
powered to act favorably, provided that the Council and law 
officers of the province deemed it in accordance with the 
laws of the realm. The charter was approved by the 
Council. With their approval it went to the King's attorney 
for his opinion. Neither charter nor opinion were forth- 
coming. The Revolutionary struggle and the independence 
of the colonies rendered further effort in the same direction 
unnecessary. 

These attempts to secure a simple act of incorporation, 
though they proved a failure so far as their immediate pur- 



* Baird's Civil Status, p. 607. 



30 CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. 

pose was concerned, were by no means in vain. The action 
of the provincial and royal authorities in refusing so reason- 
able a request led to a discussion in the public press extending 
over a quarter of a century. It was carried on largely by 
" the Presbyterian lawyers," William Smith, William Liv- 
ingston, and John Morin Scott, assisted by the pastor of the 
Wall Street Church, Alexander dimming. It enlisted the 
sympathies and called attention to a subject, soon to be 
settled in the formation of the first constitution of the 
State of New York. The people were educated and the 
way prepared for the separation of church and state, and 
the placing of all branches of the Christian Church upon an 
equal footing. 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Presbytery of Dutchess County. 

THE following extract from the "Minutes of the Pres- 
bytery of Dutchess County in the Province of New 
York," gives the reason for its organization : 

" At a Meeting of the Rev. Messrs. Elisha Kent, Pastor of the First Church 
in Phillips Precinct, Solomon Mead, Pastor of the Church in Salem, Joseph 
Peck, Pastor of the Second Church in Phillips Precinct ; at Phillips Precinct 
27 October, 1762. 

" Whereas the Churches under our Watch and Care are not in Subjection 
to any Ecclesiastical Judicatory and finding it necessary to come into some 
proper method for Church Discipline the better to maintain that Beauty, Har- 
mony and Regularity, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Head and King of his 
Church, has been graciously pleased to establish : — After Solemn Prayer to 
God for Light and Direction in this Important Affair, we took the matter 
into Serious Consideration and unanimously resolved to accept the Plan of 
Church Government used in North Britain, and did accordingly adopt the 
Westminster Confession of Faith and larger and shorter Catechisms, as our 
Confession of Faith and the Directory for Worship and Discipline used by 
the Said Church, to be our Rule of Worship and Church Discipline; agreable 
to which, as we belonged to no Ecclesiastical Judicatory, we all in the most 
amicable manner unanimously agreed to form ourselves into a Presbytery, 
which we accordingly did and Chose Mr. Kent Moderator, and Mr. Peck 
Clerk, when after free Conversation upon the Affair, it was resolved, that it be 
farther Considered at our next Meeting; then adjourned to the first Tuesday 
in January next, to meet at Salem." 

The same persons met at the appointed time, and deem- 
ing that it was "for the Interest of Religion to be regularly 
constituted a Presbytery . . . they unanimously resolved to 
apply to the Reverend Synod of New York and Philadelphia 
at their next Meeting, to be by them Constituted a Presby- 
tery, and to be joined to and acknowledged by that venera- 
ble Body as such." Mr. Mead was appointed to present the 
petition. On account of the prevalence of small-pox in 
Philadelphia, he did not attend, but sent it by the hand of 



32 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



Rev. Mr. Bostwick of the Presbytery of New York. The 
following answer was read at the next meeting of the Pres- 
bytery, held at Bedford, June 28, 1763 : — 

"At a Meeting of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in Philadel- 
phia, An. Dom. 1763, 28 May, 9 o'clock A. M. A Request was bro't in from a 
Presbytery in New York Government to the East of the North River; desir- 
ing to be incorporated with this body, and that some members of the Presby- 
teries of New York and Suffolk, which are contiguous, may be allowed to be 
joined with them in a Presbyterial Capacity. 

" After Several Members of this Body had given full Satisfaction concern- 
ing" their Character and their good Standing in the Churches : — And the Sy- 
nod being assured that it was not from any Unbrotherly or unfriendly Views, nor 
from any Disaffection to the Neighboring Churches, that they desired to be- 
come members of this Body : It is agreed to grant their Request : — Provided 
they adopt our Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and engage 
to observe the Directory^as their Plan of Worship and Government, according 
to the Agreement of this Synod. 

" It is allowed that Mr. John Smith and Mr. Chauncey Graham join with 

them; — and from Suffolk Presbytery Messrs. Samuel Sackett and Eliphalet 

Ball; and that they be called by the Name of Dutchess County Presbytery; 

and that the Rev. David Bostwick procure a Copy from the Clerk of the 

Synod, and send it to them to notifie them of our Determination. 

" A true Copy. 

" Signed per Order, 

u w v ■ 1 4. • i f Asst. Clerk 
per Wm. Kirkpatrick < 

( of the Synod." 

After the reading of the above, it was voted that 

" The Presbytery do agreable thereto, heartily, Cheerfully and renewedly 
adopt the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, and engage to observe the 
Directory for Worship and Government, and do Cordially accept the worthy 
Members of the Presbyteries of New York and Suffolk, which the Synod have 
allowed to join us; of whom are present Rev. Messrs. John Smith, Samuel 
Sackett and Eliphalet Ball." 

No return was made to the Synod until the session of 
May, 1766. At that meeting, held in the city of New York, 
all the members of the Presbytery were present with the 
exception of Solomon Mead and Samuel Dunlop. The fol 
lowing is the minute of the Synod : — 

" The Presbytery of Dutchess County, being present, report that they have 
complied with the stipulations of the Synod in the year 1763, and have adopted 
the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, together with the 
Directory for worship and discipline, according to the usage of this Synod, as 



ROLL OF MINISTERS. 



33 



appears from their minutes, which were produced and read ; and certain mem- 
bers of the said Presbytery being present, were allowed to take their seats 
accordingly." 



ROLL OF MINISTERS. 



Name. 

1. Elisha Kent, P.,' 

2. Solomon Mead, P., 

3. Joseph Peck, P., 

4. John Smith, P., 

5. Samuel Sacket, P., 

6. Eliphalet Ball, P., 

7. Chauncey Graham, P., 

8. William Hanna, P., 

9. Samuel Dunlop, P., 

10. Wheeler Case, P., 

P., 

S. S., 

11. Ichabod Lewis, P., 

P-,' 
P., 

S. S., 

12. Samuel Mills, P., 

S. S., 

13. Benjamin Strong, S. S., 

14. David Close, P., 

S. S., 

15. Blackleach Burritt, S. S. 

S.S. 

16. Silas Constant, P., 

S. S., 

17. John Davenport, P., 

18. Benj. Judd, P., 

19. Jehu Minor, P., 

20. Methuselah. Baldwin, P. 



Church. 
Phillips Precinct, 1st, 
Salem, 

Phillips Precinct, 2d, 

Rye and White Pl'ns, 

Yorktown, 

Bedford, 

Rumbout, 

Albany, 

Cherry Valley, 

Poughkeepsie, 

Charlotte's Precinct. 

Pleasant Valley. 

White Plains, 

Sing Sing. 

Philippi. 

Red Mills. 

Bedford, 

Fredericksburgh. 
Pound Ridge, 
Fredericksburgh, 

" West, 
Pound Ridge, 
Crompond. 

Red Mills. 
Bedford, 
Pound Ridge, 
Philippi, 
Pleasant Valley, 



Enrolled. 

Oct. 27, 1862, *July 17, 1776 
" " fOct. 22, 1795 
" " t May — , 1769 
June 28, 1763, *Feb. 26, 177 1 
" " *June 5, 1784 
" " §May 18, 1786 
*March 30, 1784 
Oct. 18, 1763, ||July 15, 1767 
Sept. 9, 1765, §Dec. 8, 1783 
Nov. 12, 1765, *Aug. 24, 1791 



Oct. 12, 1769, *April 8, 1793 



Dec. 13, 1769, 1[Oct. 14, 1789 

May 9, 1770, §Oct. 12, 1774 
Nov. 24, 1772, ^1783 

June 16, 1774, IfMay 8, 1794 

May 18, 1786, ITMay 8, 1794 

May 18, 1786, fSept. 18, 1793 
Oct. 16, 1788, jMay 6, 1795 
Feb. 1, 1792, fOct. 22, 1795 
Nov. 6, 1793, t " " 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 

Name. Connection Began. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 

I. Phillips Precinct, 1st, Oct. 27, 1762, Elisha Kent, P., 

" Kent's Parish," Ichabod Lewis, P., 

Philippi, Jehu Minor, S. S., 

Union, " P., 

(South East). 



July 17, 1776 
June 17,1777 
Apr. 8, 1793 

1791- 
Feb. 1, 1792 
j Feb. 1, 1792 
( July 5, 1808 



*Died. tTransferred to Presbytery of Hudson. JDismissed. §On roll 
for last time. || Suspended. TfName dropped. 
5 



34 



THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



Name. 
2. Salem, 

South Salem, 



Connection Began. 

Oct. 27, 1762, 



Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 



3. Phillips Precinct, 2d, 

North Congregat'n 
of Fredericksburgh, 

Franklin, 
(Patterson), 

4. Crompond, 

Hanover, 
(Yorktown), 

5- Rye, 

6. White Plains, 



7. Bedford, 



8. Rumbout, 

Fishkill, 

9. Sing Sing, 

Mt. Pleasant, 



10. Po'keepsie, 



Solomon Mead, P., 

Joseph Peck, P., 
" David Close, S. S., 
P., 

Samuel Mills, S. S., 

Sturges, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
June 28, 1763, Samuel Sacket, P., 

Silas Constant, S. S., 

P., 

John Smith, P., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 

" " John Smith, P., 

Ichabod Lewis, P., 
Supplied by Presbytery, 
Eliphalet Ball, P., 
Samuel Mills, P., 
John Davenport, P., 
Isaac Foster, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Samuel Blatchford, S.S , 

" " Chauncey Graham, P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 

John Smith, S. S., 
Ichabod Lewis, P., 



May 20, 1752 
Sept. 4, 1800 
\ Mar. 29, 1758 
) Feb. 8, 1769 

i — 1772 

( Nov. 24, 1 77 2 
j Nov.24,1772 

I 1783 

1 783-1 789 
1789 

i789-!793 
j Oct. 1761- 
/ June 5, 1784 
Nov. 1785- 

1786 

1786 

March, 1806 
Dec. 30,1742 
Feb. 26,1771 
-1789 
Dec.30, 1742 
Feb. 26, 177 1 
Oct. 11, 1769 
June 17, 1777 
1 786-1790 
Jan. 2, 1754 
Dec.21, 1768 
j Dec. 13, 1769 
\ May 18, 1786 
( May 18,1786 
I May 5, 1791 
1792 

{ Oct., 1792- 
1 Jan. 1793 
( Aug., 1795- 
) Apr., 1796 
( i 74 8(?)- 
\ Oct. 8, 1766 
1774-1777 
1 863- 1 7 63 
S 17671?)- 

I Feb. 26, 177 r 
j Oct. 11, 1769 



Dec. 



Oct. 18, 1763, 



11. Charlotte Precinct, May 12, 1764, 

(Pittsburgh), 

12. Upper Salem, June 26, 1765, 



Supplied by Presbytery,* 
(< <« 

Wheeler Case, P., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Wheeler Case, P., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 



9, !774 



1775-1791 
1763-1764 
Nov. 1 2, 1 765 
Oct. 11, 1770 
1772-1773 
1764 
Nov 12,1765 
Aug.24,1791 

1 765-1767 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 



35 



Name. 

North Salem, 



13. Albany, 

14. Cherry Valley, 

15. New Windsor, 

16. Pound Ridge, 



Connection Began. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 

John Blydenburgh, S. S., 1772-1774 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 1 774-1775 
Joel Benedict, S. S., 1783 
John Blindbur, S. S., 
Sept. 9, 1765, William Hanna, P. -July 17, 1767 

" " Samuel Dunlop, P., 
(May 13,1767) Supplied by Presbytery,* 1767 

Oct., 1769- 
1772 



1770, Benjamin Strong, S. S. 



Blackleach Burritt, S. S., \ J™£ 6 '^4 



7. Pleasant Valley, 



Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Benjamin Judd, S. S., 

" P., 
Abraham Barfield, S. S., 
Samuel Blatchford, S. S., 
1770 (?), Wheeler Case, S. S., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Methuselah Baldwin, P., 



18. West Congregat'n of, Oct. 12, 1774, David Close, S. S., 

Fredericksburg, Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Gregory's Parish. 

19 Dover, (Oct. 8, 1777), Supplied by Presbytery, 

20. Little Nine Partners " " " " 

near ye Oblong, 

21. Presb. Providence, May 12, 1787, Wheeler Case, S. S.(?), 

Society in Clinton 
Precinct. 

22. Red Mills, (Oct. 1 1,1787) Silas Constant, S. S., 

Supplied by Presbytery, 

Ichabod Lewis, S. S., 



1776-1787 
May, 1788 
Oct. 16, 1788 
Oct. 16, 1788 
May 1, 1793 

1794 
Aug., 1795 
Apr., 1796 

1770 

Aug.24,1797 
1791-1792 
Nov. 6, 1793 
Sept. 4, 1798 
Oct., 1774- 
Nov., 1781 
1787 

1777-8 
Jan. 1778 

1787 



1785-1787 
1787 

1791 

Apr. 8, 1793 



Of the twenty ministers, most were installed pastors. 
Seven, Messrs. Kent, Smith, Sacket, Graham, Case, Lewis, 
and Close, died while connected with the Presbytery. Four, 
Messrs. Peck, Burritt, Davenport, and Judd, were dismissed. 
William Hanna was suspended July 17, 1767, for becoming 
an attorney-at-law. The name of Samuel Mills was dropped 
because he joined the Anabaptists without a regular dismis- 



* Supplies were 'appointed by Presbytery, and generally fulfilled their 
appointments. 



36 



THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



sion. The names of Eliphalet Ball, Samuel Dunlop, and 
Benjamin Strong, who had not reported themselves for 
years, disappear without record of action. 

Silas Constant was received at his own request as an ad- 
visory member or stated correspondent May 8, 1786. This 
connection was dissolved on his own motion May 8, 1794. 
Blackleach Burritt had become pastor of a church in Ver- 
mont before his dismissal. Solomon Mead, Jehu Minor, and 
Methusaleh Baldwin, the only remaining members of the 
Presbytery, were transferred to the newly-erected Presby- 
tery of Hudson by the Synod of New York and New Jersey, 
October 22, 1795. 

Samuel Sacket and the Crompond church seceded from 
the Presbytery October 14, 1767, for reasons which are not 
on record. The minute (August, 1768) is — 

" Resolved unanimously as they [the reasons assigned] consist of general 
ambiguous expressions, so we judge them but ill-grounded, not to say bitter 
reflections." 

A committee consisting of Messrs. Kent and Ball were 
appointed "to answer his reasons" before a commission of 
the Synod then sitting at Bedford, which had been ordered 
at Mr. Sacket's request to investigate "the unhappy dif- 
ference betwixt him and the Presbytery." The commission, 
it seems, "annexed him to the Presbytery of New York." 
The Synod did not approve of this action, and by a "great 
majority" he was "returned to the Presbytery of Dutchess 
County." He did not attend the meetings nor perform 
the duties of a Presbyter. His name does not appear even 
among the absent. The Presbytery seems to have believed 
that he was no longer of their number, and he evidently re- 
garded himself as a member of the Presbytery of New 
York, for though his name was not upon their roll, he ap- 
plied to the Synod, May 23, 1775, to be transferred back 
from that body to the Dutchess County Presbytery. His 
request was granted. 

The nature of the connection of the churches with the 
Presbytery is difficult to determine. Due allowance must 



THE CHURCHES AND THE PRESBYTERY. 



37 



be made for possible omissions in the minutes. The Presby- 
tery was organized by the pastors of three churches which 
were not represented by laymen. It was evidently their in- 
tention, and probably that of their people, that these con- 
gregations should belong to the new body. Messrs. Smith 
and Graham of the Presbytery of New York, and Messrs. 
Sacket and Ball of the Presbytery of Suffolk, were trans- 
ferred to it, but no mention is made by the Synod or the 
Presbytery of the churches to which they ministered. None 
of these congregations were represented by elders or dele- 
gates until the fourth session, October 18, 1763. An exami- 
nation of the record shows that only four churches, Albany, 
Cherry Valley, Pound Ridge, and Presbyterian Providence 
Society in Clinton Precinct, were formally received under 
the care of the Presbytery. Counting the original churches, 
the five transferred from other Presbyteries, the four re- 
ceived under its care, and others over which pastors were 
installed by its authority, we are able to make a list of six- 
teen out of the twenty-two as under its jurisdiction — First 
and Second Churches of Phillips Precinct, Salem, Crom- 
pond, Rye, White Plains, Bedford, Rondout, Albany, Cherry 
Valley, Pound Ridge, Presbyterian Providence Society in 
Clinton Precinct, Poughkeepsie, Charlotte Precinct, Sing 
Sing and Pleasant Valley. Six, Upper Salem, New Windsor, 
West Congregation of Fredericksburgh, Dover, Little Nine 
Partners near ye Oblong and Red Mills, applied for supplies 
and advice. New Windsor, we believe, belonged to the 
Presbytery of New York. 

How many of these churches had a bench of elders and 
conducted their internal affairs according to the usages of 
the Presbyterian Church, we are unable to say. Of the 
three churches whose pastors organized the Presbytery not 
a single one had a Presbyterian organization when that 
event took place. The question of adopting " ye Presbyte- 
rian form of church government " came before the South 
Salem Church, Sept. 29, 1763. It was decided in the affirm- 
ative and five ruling elders were elected. The term of ser- 
vice was fixed at one year. No such action seems to have 



38 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 

been taken in the other churches at this time. More than 
twenty years later, Sept. 4, 1786, the First Church of 
Phillips Precinct adopted the Westminster Standards, " ex- 
cepting in ye instance of Congregational assemblies or rul- 
ing elders." About forty years more elapsed before they 
had a session. The Second Church apparently retained a 
Congregational form of government until 1804. April 25th 
of that year they petitioned the Presbytery of Hudson for a 
supply "to preach and ordain elders." Bedford had the 
eldership in 1756, Crompond by 1763, and Pleasant Valley 
in 1788. When it was adopted, we do not know. 

All the evidence at hand, unless it be the fact that the 
church edifice was called the Presbyterian Meeting House, 
indicates that the Upper Salem Church was Congregational. 
The building was erected in 1764, but there seems to have 
been no organization until Aug. 20, 1779, wnen tne people 
of the vicinity assembled to consider the expediency of form- 
ing one, and decided in the affirmative. The organization 
was effected five clays later. A Congregational Church was 
organized, which, Jan. 24, 1786, was incorporated as the 
" Congregationalist Society of Upper Salem." A Presby- 
terian reorganization was not effected until 1832. 

The West Congregation of Fredericksburgh began its 
existence in connection with Fairfield East Consociation as 
a Congregational Church, and there is no proof of any 
change. That some of these churches were apparently 
represented by elders is indecisive, as among those thus 
designated in the minutes are the names of persons who 
were not in the eldership. Among the delegates from the 
Crompond Church were Obadiah Purdy and Robert Lee, 
neither of whom were ever members of the Session. Both 
the First and Second Churches of Phillips Precinct were 
represented at the meetings of Presbytery, while neither 
had a Presbyterian organization. 

The church at Albany was transferred to the Presbytery 
of New York by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, 
May 23, 1775. The Church of Cherry Valley was trans- 
ferred in 1790 by the Synod of New York and New Jersey 



THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



39 



to the newly erected Presbytery of Albany. There are no 
entries in the minutes about the following churches after 
the dates affixed to their names. Po'keepsie, Oct. 1 772 ; 
North Salem, Oct. 12, 1774; Fishkill, Oct. 8, 1777; Sing 
Sing, Sept. 21, 1 791 ; West Congregation of Fredericks- 
burgh, Oct. 10, 1787 ; Red Mills, Sept. 1792 ; Crompond, 
May 8, 1794. North Salem and Sing Sing are represented 
at the first meeting of the Associated Westchester Presby- 
tery in 1792 Po'keepsie, Crompond, and Reel Mills soon 
after came into the same organization. Dover and Little 
Nine Partners, which are only mentioned once in the minutes 
of Dutchess Presbytery, look to the new organization for 
advice and supplies. The churches at Rye and White 
Plains were burned and their congregations scattered by the 
revolutionary war. 

At the dissolution of the Presbytery there remained the 
following churches : Union, Franklin, Salem, Bedford, Rum- 
bout, Pleasant Valley, Pittsburgh, and Pound Ridge — eight 
in all. 

The Presbytery was never a large one. It began with 
three ministers and three churches. When largest, it had 
but ten ministers and perhaps as many churches. At the 
dissolution there were three ministers and eight churches. 
The attendance at the meetings was usually from four to six 
ministers and from two to four elders. 

Two stated meetings were held each year. The business 
usually transacted was the appointment of a committee "to 
transact such business as might come before them " during 
the intervals between the meetings, the appointment of sup- 
plies for vacant churches, making the necessary orders inci- 
dent to changes in the pastorates, the giving of advice to 
individuals and churches, and questions of discipline. Jacob 
Lockwood, of the church at Pound Ridge, was disciplined by 
the Session. Among the charges against him we find one 
for "not calling his family together statedly for prayers 
evening and morning." 

The Presbytery did almost nothing in the line of minis- 
terial education. Only three were licensed — John Close, 



40 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



Nov. 12, 1765, David Close, Jan. 7, 1772, and Joseph Hazzard, 
May 6, 1790; and five licentiates were ordained — Wheeler 
Case, Nov. 12, 1765, Ichabod Lewis, Oct. 12, 1769, Samuel 
Mills, Dec. 13, 1769, David Close, Nov. 24, 1772, and Me- 
thuselah Baldwin, Nov. 6, 1793. Doubtless it was not for 
want of interest, but because they lacked opportunity. 

The missionary operations of the Presbytery were limited 
to the supply of the churches under their own care. Occasion- 
ally members were appointed by the Synod to itinerate in the 
newly settled portions of the country. The Synod, May 25, 
1767, ordered that collections should be taken up in all the 
congregations for missions in the frontier settlements and 
among the Indians, and devised a plan for carrying its orders 
into effect. The Presbytery voted to make a public collec- 
tion in all the congregations, and appointed Chauncey 
Graham treasurer. The results we are unable to give. 

The records under date of Oct. 1790, contain a minute 
of the Synod of New York and New Jersey, ordering col- 
lections in the churches for home missions, for the support 
of candidates for the ministry, and for the expenses of the 
commissioners to the General Assembly. The Presbytery 
ordered that a collection should be taken up for the last 
named object. Mr. Judd was appointed to itinerate for six 
weeks among the vacant congregations of Westchester and 
Dutchess Counties. At the next meeting in May, 1 79 r, a 
minute was adopted, which, while admitting the claims of 
missions and education, affirmed the broken state of several 
of our congregations, due to the late war, and the consequent 
inability to support themselves, " together with the back- 
wardness in many of the people in our parts to contribute 
for the support of the Gospel," rendered it impracticable to 
take up collections for such purposes. 

Attempts were made early in the history of the Presby- 
tery to provide for the expenses of the commissioners to the 
Synod. May 6, 1795, action was taken on the plan of the 
General Assembly for the relief of invalid ministers and 
their families. The Presbytery did not approve of it, be- 
cause it was " so general and extensive." 



CHAPTER V. 



The Presbytery of Dutchess County continued. 
CT. 12, 1774, as the war cloud was rising, the Presbytery 



at a meeting held at Salem passed the following 
minute : — 

"The Presbytery, taking into serious consideration the heavy judgments 
with which a holy God is visiting our guilty land and nation, in suffering our 
civil and religious rights to be invaded and a spirit of discord and contention 
to prevail with many commotions of a dangerous and threatening aspect, con- 
sidering also our great defections, the manifest decay of vital piety, the crimi- 
nal indifference of professors, the growth of infidelity, the general and awful 
prevalence of vice and immorality, the great security, stupidity, hardness 
of heart and incorrigibleness under and contempt of the happy privileges and 
glorious advantages of the Gospel, whereby we have highly incensed a holy 
God, provoked Him to withhold His Holy Spirit and rendered ourselves ob- 
noxious to the severest judgments, think ourselves loudly called to humilia- 
tion, repentance and deep abasement before a holy God. 

" We do therefore urgently recommend to the congregations under our care 
to keep a Day of Solemn Fasting and Prayer to Almighty God, that he would 
in mercy turn away deserved wrath, restore and continue to us our invaluable 
privileges, both civil and religious ; that earnest supplication be made for 
.our King and all in authority, that under their wise and prudent administra- 
tions we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all gladness and honesty; and 
we especially recommend that importunate cries be made to God for the Holy 
Ghost to be sent down upon His churches, that we may be made a truly humble 
and penitent people, that He would revive His own work gloriously in our 
congregations, cause religion in its power and purity to prevail thro' the land 
and make Jerusalem a praise in all the earth, to the glory of the riches of His 
grace in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The day appointed as a Day of Fasting and 
Prayer is Wednesday the 26th day of instant October." 

The first blood was shed in Massachusetts in April, 
1775. At the next stated meeting held at Fishkill, May 3 
following, this minute was adopted : — 

" The Presbytery, taking into serious consideration the manifest decay of 
religion, the awful backsli dings and prevalence of all kinds of wickedness in 
our nation, for which God is visiting us with very grievous and heavy judg- 
ments, suffering the nation to be distracted with a spirit of discord and con- 




6 



42 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



tention, our civil and religious privileges to be invaded, actual hostilities to be 
commenced in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, whereby numbers have 
been slain and the great danger of a civil war through all the American colo- 
nies and of the entire ruin of the whole British empire, are convinced of the loud 
call of Providence for not only private, but public, fasting and prayer, for deep 
humiliation, and afflicting our souls before God, and for our united earnest 
cries and supplications to Almighty God that He would not desert, but appear 
for the relief of a guilty nation, that He would be pleased to pour out of His 
Spirit upon all ranks and denominations of people among us that pre- 
vailing wickedness may be suppressed, vital piety gloriously promoted, discord 
made to subside and unanimity once more restored, and lasting union estab- 
lished among us upon a just and equitable basis. We do, therefore, appoint 
Thursday, the nth day of this instant, to be observed as a Day of Fasting and 
Prayer by all congregations under our care." 

In accordance with the recommendation of the Synod 
the Presbytery voted, October 12, 1775, to spend the last 
Thursday of each month as a Day of Prayer. The recom- 
mendation was renewed October 11, 1780. 

The British army under General Howe entered West- 
chester County in October, 1776. On the 28th of the month, 
the battle of the White Plains was fought. Three days later 
Washington withdrew his army to the hills of North Castle, 
and later still further north. From this time onward the 
country between Spuyten Duyvil Creek and Croton River 
became the so-called Neutral Ground, in the possession of 
neither army, but subject to the raids and "grand forages" 
of both. " No region was more harried and trampled down 
by friend and foe." The description of a portion of this 
section by Dr. Dwight vividly portrays its desolation : — " In 
the autumn of 1777 I resided for some time in this county. 
The lines of the British were then in the neighborhood of 
King's Bridge, and those of the Americans at Byram River. 
These unhappy people were, therefore, exposed to the 
depredations of both. Often they were actually plundered, 
and always were liable to this calamity. They feared every- 
body whom they saw, and loved nobody. It was a curious 
fact to a philosopher, and a melancholy one to a moralist to 
hear their conversation. To every question they gave such 
an answer as would please the enquirer ; or, if they despaired 
of pleasing, such an one as would not provoke him. Fear 



THE NEUTRAL GROUND. 



43 



was apparently the only passion by which they were ani- 
mated. The power of volition seemed to have deserted 
them. They were not civil, but obsequious ; not obliging, 
but subservient. They yielded with a kind of apathy, and 
very quietly, what you asked, and what they supposed it im- 
possible for them to retain. If you treated them kindly 
they received it coldly — not as a kindness, but a compensa- 
tion for injuries done them by others. When you spoke 
to them they answered you without either good or ill- 
nature, and without any appearance of reluctance or hesita- 
tion ; but they subjoined neither questions nor remarks of 
their own, proving to your full conviction that they felt no 
interest either in your conversation or in yourself. Both 
their countenances and their motions had lost every trace of 
animation and of feeling. Their features were smoothed 
not in serenity, but apathy ; and instead of being settled 
in the attitude of quiet thinking, strongly indicated that all 
thought beyond what was merely instinctive had fled their 
minds forever. 

"Their houses, in the meantime, were in great measure 
scenes of desolation. Their furniture was extensively 
plundered or broken to pieces ; the walls, floors, and win- 
dows were injured both by violence and decay, and were 
not repaired, because they had no means of repairing them, 
and because they were exposed to the repetition of the same 
injuries; their cattle were gone; their inclosures were 
burnt, where they were capable of becoming fuel; and in 
many cases thrown down where they were not. Their fields 
were covered with a rank growth of weeds and wild grass. 

"Amid all this appearance of desolation, nothing struck 
my own eye more forcibly than the sight of this great road, 
the passage from New York to Boston. Where I had here- 
tofore seen a continual succession of horses and carriages, 
and life and bustle lent a sprightliness to all the environing 
objects, not a single, solitary traveler was visible from week 
to week, or from month to month. The world was motion- 
less and silent, except when one of these unhappy people 



44 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



ventured upon a rare and lonely excursion to the house of a 
neighbor no less unhappy, or a scouting party traversing 
the county in quest of enemies, alarmed the inhabitants 
with expectation of new injuries and suffering. The very 
tracks of the carriages were grown over and obliterated, 
and where they were discernible, resembled the faint im- 
pressions of chariot wheels said to be left on the pavements 
of Herculaneum. The grass was of full height for the 
scythe, and strongly realized to my mind for the first time 
the proper import of that picturesque declaration of the 
Song of Deborah, ' In the days of Shamgar, the son of 
Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, 
and the travelers walked through by-paths. The inhabitants 
of the villages ceased ; they ceased in Israel.' " * 

In the Neutral Ground were three Presbyterian Churches, 
Rye, White Plains, and Sing Sing. In the evening of Nov. 
4, 1776, while Washington and the American Army were in 
the hills of North Castle, two miles north of White Plains, 
the Court House, Presbyterian Church, and several other 
buildings in that place, were burned by American soldiers 
without orders and against the wishes of their superior offi- 
cers. The church at Rye was reduced to ashes between that 
date and 1779. The congregations were scattered. The 
people sought safety in northern Westchester and Dutchess 
counties and Connecticut. The members of the Sing Sing 
Church, though their house of worship remained, must have 
suffered almost as much as their fellow churchmen at Rye 
and White Plains. At a meeting of the Presbytery held at 
Philippi, June 17, 1777, Ichabod Lewis, "on account of the 
melancholy and broken state of his congregation in the 
White Plains occasioned by the present destructive war," 
requested the dissolution of the pastoral relation. The re-, 
quest was granted. On the following day a call was pre- 
sented for Mr. Lewis from the church at Philippi, and 
arrangements were made for his installation. 

The year 1779 was a trying year for the churches under 



* Dwight's Travels in New England and New York, Vol. Ill, pp. 491-2. 



CHURCHES BURNED. 



45 



the care of the Presbytery, located in northern Westchester. 
Raids were made by the enemy north of the Croton River. 
On account of the incursions of the Tories and Cowboys, 
this region became hardly more desirable as a place of resi- 
dence than the Neutral Ground. Presbyterians, both minis- 
ters and laymen, were sterling patriots, and to them, as 
opportunity offered, the enemy showed no mercy. Samuel 
Sacket of Crompond was so outspoken that he was obliged 
to leave his charge and seek safety in Sharon, Conn. Black- 
leach Burritt supplied his place. The last meeting of Pres- 
bytery he attended was held May 6, 1778. David Close, of 
the Second Church of Phillips Precinct, is said to have been 
a " great friend to his country " and to have "suffered much." 
Wheeler Case, of Charlotte Precinct, is said to have been 
"robbed of nearly all he possessed by British soldiers." 

Many of the churches probably were places of rendez- 
vous for the militia and local committees of safety. This 
was certainly true of Crompond. Here was located an 
outpost of the American army, and at first two houses, one 
the parsonage belonging to the church, were used as barracks. 
June 13, 1779, Colonel Abercrombie marched from Ver- 
planck's Point and burned them. The church was then 
occupied for the same purpose. Eleven days later, two 
squadrons of British light horse (Tarlton's and Simcoe's) 
reduced it to ashes, and killed and captured thirty of the 
militia. They stated that they had burned old Sacket's 
prayers, and that they would have burned him had they 
caught him. 

July 2d of the same year, Tarlton burned the churches 
of Bedford and Pound Ridge. The former had been for 
nearly three years the place of meeting of the courts of the 
county. From this time to Nov. 1784, they met in Presby- 
terian Meeting House of Upper Salem. Samuel Mills left 
Bedford and resided in Phillips Precinct. The Presbytery 
was not in session from 1778 to 1780. The people of north- 
ern Westchester, less impoverished than their brethren 
nearer New York, within seven years rebuilded their houses 



4 6 



THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



of worship — Bedford 1783, Crompond 1785, and Pound 
Ridge 1786. The Rye people were houseless until 1793, 
and those of White Plains made use of the Court House 
until 1825. 

War is not usually a friend to grace. It is' as disastrous 
to piety as it is to life. A condition, such as has been de- 
scribed, is a favorable one for the growth of unbelief, indif- 
ference, infidelity, vice and crime. Apparently the crop was 
an abundant one. A visitation of destructive insects in 
1784 seems to have been regarded as a judgment of God on 
account of these sins. The minutes of the meeting of Oct. 
6, 1784, contains the following: 

" Presbytery, reflecting upon the awful prevalence of infidelity, the abounding 
of impiety with all kinds of immorality, the inattention of people in general to 
the duties of religion, the want of zeal in the professors of godliness, together 
with the manifestation of God's displeasure in afflicting us with destroying insects 
that devour the more necessary supports of life, therefore recommend the several 
churches in connection with this Presbytery to observe a Day of Fasting and 
Prayer to supplicate the Divine Being for the removal of the aforesaid judg- 
ment and especially for the outpouring of His Spirit upon us. This fast is 
recommended to be attended as follows : at Charlotte the first Wednesday in 
November next ; at Predericksburgh 12th of November; at Philippi Tuesday 
16th." 

As early as Oct. 1783, the Presbytery turned its attention 
to the Neutral Ground, and, " taking into consideration the 
destitute circumstances of the lower parts of Westchester 
as to the preached Gospel," appointed Messrs. Mills, Burritt, 
and Lewis to spend each a. Sabbath there. But few Presby- 
terians had remained, and doubtless most, who had sought 
safety in flight, did not return. Oct. 11, 1786, supplies 
were appointed for White Plains. May, 1789, the same was 
clone for Rye ; and in the October following, White Plains 
and Sing Sing were thus provided for. 

The Federal Convention concluded its labors in Sept. 
1787, and reported the Constitution, which they had drafted, 
to Congress. On the 28th of the month that body voted 
unanimously to transmit that document to the legislatures of 
the several States in order that it might be submitted to con- 
ventions, chosen by the people. Feeling in some of the 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 



47 



States was at white heat. New York was among the doubt- 
ful ones. The excitement was accordingly very great. The 
party in power, led by Governor George Clinton, was " pas- 
sionately opposed " to the Constitution. The southern 
counties along the Hudson, and on Long Island, with New 
York City, favored it, while Ulster and those to the north 
were in opposition with the Governor. In view of this state 
of affairs the Presbytery, May 8, 1788, recommended a Day 
of Fasting and Prayer in the following terms : 

"The Presbytery of Dutchess, taking into consideration the affecting and 
critical situation of their country, the languishing state of trade and agriculture, 
the want of energy in government, the great importance that the United States 
may be directed by Infinite Wisdom with respect to the adoption or rejection 
of the constitution proposed by the Federal Convention, above all taking into 
view the decay of the life and power of religion in their respective churches 
and congregations, and the rapid increase of vice and immorality through the 
* land, do hereby recommend that Wednesday the nth day of June next be 
observed by the churches and congregations under their care as a day of 
solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer, and would earnestly exhort their re- 
spective charges to assemble in public on said day and unitedly lament with 
bleeding hearts their departure from a holy God, the awful suspension of the 
divine influences and the general inattention to the all-important things of 
religion, and fervently to implore the returning presence of the God of Zion, 
the plentiful effusion of the Divine Spirit and the advancement of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom through the land and world; also to unite in fervent suppli- 
cation that God would appear in this day of gloominess and thick darkness, 
preserve our people from internal divisions, prosper our trade and husbandry, 
preside in the deliberations of the convention of this, state and' favour the 
United States with a constitution which shall tend to strengthen and estab- 
lish the general union by which our invaluable privileges may be secured and 
we be a happy people." 

The sentiment of the Presbytery seemed to favor the 
adoption of the Constitution. 



CHAPTER VI. 



The Presbytery of Dutchess County continued. 
HE growth of the church and its altered conditions 



1 rendered some changes in its constitution a necessity. 
The Synod of 1785 appointed a committee, with Dr. Wither- 
spoon at its head, " to take into consideration the constitution 
of the church of Scotland and other Protestant churches, and, 
agreeably to the general principles of Presbyterian govern- 
ment, compile a system of general rules for the government 
of the Synod and the several Presbyteries under their in- 
spection, and the people in their communion, and to make 
report of their proceeding herein at the next meeting of 
Synod." 

On the same day an overture was presented for a division 
of the Synod into three Synods and the organization of the 
General Assembly, and referred for consideration to the next 
Synod. The committee presented a report to Synod of 
1786, and the Book of Discipline and Government were re- 
ferred to a new committee composed of the chairman and a 
portion of the members of the old one, with directions "to 
digest such a system as they shall think to be accommodated 
to the state of the Presbyterian Church in America," and to 
print it for distribution among the Presbyteries in order that 
they might report to the next Synod in writing " their 
observations on the said Books of Government and Disci- 
pline." It was voted that there should be three or more 
Synods and that a General Assembly should be established, 
and a committee was appointed to draft a plan for the carry- 
ing of the resolution into effect. 

Three days later a report was presented making certain 
changes in the Presbyteries, and constituting four Synods 




CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION. 



49 



of New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Virginia and 
the Carolinas, and a General Assembly to be composed of 
commissioners from the Presbyteries. The recommenda- 
tion as to the Presbyteries was adopted, and the remainder 
of the report referred to the next Synod. 

The Presbytery met at Mr. Case's, Nine Partners, May, 
1787. There were present Solomon Mead, Wheeler Case, 
Ichabod Lewis, John Davenport, Silas Constant, and Elder 
Cornelius Humfrey. The proposed changes in the constitu- 
tion were considered. The division into four Synods was 
approved. With respect to Form of Government and Book 
of Discipline we have the following criticisms : 

" With respect to the following articles, beginning at the 13th page at the 
following line ' and it shall be the duty of Presbyteries to report to the Synod 
licensures ' down to the conclusion of the section, the article p. 14, which 
directs Presbyteries to establish grammar schools within their bounds, etc., the 
article p. 21, which respects the election and ordination of bishops or pastors, 
the article p. 28, which respects instalment distinct from ordination, the article 
p. 38, which respects moderators, the Presbytery are unanimously of opinion 
that Presbyteries have a discretionary power with respect to the observance of 
particular mode of procedure in the articles above referred to. The Presby- 
tery attended to the article which speaks of ruling elders and report as their 
sentiment that churches should be left at liberty to act agreeable to their own 
sentiments with respect to the mode of government referred to. 

" With respect to the section in which the ordinances in a particular church 
are enumerated, we cannot see the propriety of calling collections for the poor 
and other necessities of the church an ordinance in the church; and as we 
suppose discipline to be an ordinance in the church, we view its not being 
mentioned in the enumeration to be an omission. With respect to the former 
paragraph of the article, which speaks of the congregational assembly or judi- 
cature, usually styled the church session, we would make the same remarks as 
were made respecting the article which speaks of ruling elders. 

" With respect to the paragraph which enjoins upon ministers to keep a 
record of marriages and deaths we except, as in particular cases the keeping 
of such records would be attended with extreme difficulty, but chiefly because 
we view such injunction not to be warranted by Scripture. In the article, 
which respects the Presbyterial Assembly, we except against those paragraphs, 
which bear the aspect of justifying the interference of Presbyteries in the in- 
ternal government of the church, when no particular reference is made to 
these bodies. 

" Presbytery attended to the article which respects a general council, and 
after giving it as mature deliberation as their time would admit, found them- 
selves not ripe for decision, are, therefore, obliged not to be explicit in giving 
their sentiments on the subject. Presbytery attended to the article, which re- 
7 



50 



THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



spects licensing of candidates or probationers to preach the Gospel, and report 
that they unanimously concur in sentiment with the committee of Synod, that 
a liberal education with reference to the work of the ministry is highly advan- 
tageous, and at the same time unanimously think that to require that no candi- 
date shall receive a license, until he hath completed the usual course of academic 
studies, is to require too much; that many, who have not gone through a course 
of learning, have shone with distinguished luster in the American churches at 
different periods, that numbers now in the ministry, not educated as above 
mentioned, appear qualified for eminent usefulness in the vineyard of our Lord. 
They further think that with respect to examining candidates for the Gospel 
ministry, who have received a diploma of Bachelor or Master of Arts from 
some college or university on their knowledge of the Latin and original 
languages, each Presbytery should have a discretionary power with respect to 
the observance of any particular mode of conduct in the particulars now re- 
ferred to. 

" With respect to the article on missions, the Presbytery are unanimously 
of the opinion that the Presbyteries without applying to the. general council 
have and of right ought to have a discretionary power to introduce into the 
ministry and send missionaries to any part, to plant churches, or to supply 
vacancies, as the state of the churches and interest of religion may require. 

" With respect to the article, p. 43, which points out the treatment due to 
such gross offenders, as will not be reclaimed by the private or public admo- 
nitions of the church, the Presbytery are of the opinion that churches have a 
discretionary power to observe that line of conduct, which is in their view 
agreeable to the sacred oracles. 

" With respect to the article, p. 43. which directs that all processes in cases 
of scandal shall commence within the space of one year after they have be- 
come known to the officers of the church, after which the judicature shall not 
receive any complaint, on that subject Presbytery are of the opinion that no 
particular term of time ought to be specified. 

M In the case referred to in article, p. 43, section iS, which directs that all 
processes, etc., Presbytery are of the opinion that the decision of the Presby- 
tery should be final without any appeal to a higher judicature, as well in those 
cases where exceptions are made to the mode of trial as in others. With re- 
spect to the article, p. 45, section 5, which directs that the prosecutor must be 
previously warned, etc., Presbytery are of the opinion that this article cannot 
by any means be admitted." 

These criticisms show a very decided leaning towards 
Congregationalism. They remind us of the history of the 
Associated Presbyteries, and we recognize the opinions, 
possibly also the composition, of Silas Constant. 

John Davenport was the only member of the Presbytery 
at the Synod of 1787. The criticisms of the various Pres- 
byteries were read ; also, the proposed Form of Govern- 
ment and Book of Discipline paragraph by paragraph. It 



PROPOSED REORGANIZATION. 



5f 



was ordered that iooo copies be printed for distribution 
among the Presbyteries and churches. The Synod of 1788, 
after careful consideration, adopted them ; also, the Confes- 
sion of Faith and Larger Catechism as amended, the revised 
Directory of Worship and the Shorter Catechism. The 
Synod was divided as proposed in 1786, and a General 
Assembly established. 

We have already called attention to the feebleness of the 
bond which bound many of the churches to the Presbytery. 
They could hardly be said to be under its watch and care. 
Most of the churches were organized by the early settlers 
who came from New England, and were without a bench of 
elders. Doubtless North Salem and the West Society of 
Fredericksburgh, and others in Dutchess County applied to 
the Presbytery for supplies from the motive of convenience, 
the line between Presbyterianism and Congregationalism 
not then being sharply drawn. Some applied but once ; 
others only a few times. Many of these churches naturally 
turned to the associations of Connecticut and Massachu- 
setts for preaching, and their connection with the Pres- 
bytery ceases. The war scattered two congregations. When 
the changes in the constitution were made, the rolls con- 
tained the names of seven ministers, and apparently eleven 
churches. 

At its own request, the name of the Presbytery was 
changed to that of Dutchess by the Synod of New York 
and New Jersey in 1789. In 179 1 an overture was received 
from the Synod with respect to necessary changes in 
the Presbyteries, asking for suggestions. The Presbytery 
mentioned the smallness of number of its ministers, dimin- 
ished recently by the death of Mr. Case, and requested that 
Messrs. Nathan Ker, John Close, and Andrew King of the 
Presbytery of New York, and pastors respectively of the 
churches of Goshen, New Windsor, and Walkill in Orange 
County, be transferred to them. A similar overture was 
received from the Synod the following year. The Pres- 
bytery expressed the wish to remain as they were. The 



5^ 



THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 



next proposition, emanating from one of its own members, 
was that it be annexed to the Presbytery of New York. 
This was decided later in the negative. 

The Presbytery was being rapidly depleted. Ichabod 
Lewis had died, Samuel Mills had joined the Anabaptists, 
Blackleach Burritt had removed to Vermont, John Daven- 
port had been dismissed. The Associated Westchester 
Presbytery had been organized, and Silas Constant had 
withdrawn to it. With him went the churches at Crompond 
and Red Mills. The Sing Sing church had preceded them 
into the same body. One new member, Methuselah Bald- 
win, had been added, and one, Benjamin Judd, had been dis- 
missed, leaving only three ministers on the roll. Eight 
churches were still connected with the Presbytery, — Salem, 
Union, Pleasant Valley, Bedford, Franklin, Rumbout, Pitts- 
burgh, and Pound Ridge. Of these, all except the first three 
were without pastors. 

Application was made to the Synod in 1794 for the 
transfer of Messrs. Nathan Ker of Goshen, Andrew King 
of Walkill, and Jonathan Freeman of Hopewell and Deer 
Park, all of the Presbytery of New York. October 22, 
1795, the Presbytery was dissolved, and a new one, that of 
Hudson, erected. Practically the request was granted, for 
the persons named with John Joline, pastors of the churches 
of Florida and Warrick, were joined with them. The dissolu- 
tion, evidently, was scarcely more than a means of securing 
a change of name to represent its enlarged territory. The 
new body covered a large portion of the Valley of the 
Hudson. 

It has been stated that the cause of the dissolution of the 
Presbytery of Dutchess County was the organization of the 
Associated Westchester Presbytery. The weakness of the 
former was possibly the opportunity of the latter. It must 
be borne in mind that the cause assigned in the minutes for 
a change is the smallness in the number of ministers ; no 
mention is made of the loss of churches by transfer to that 
body. One minister only was dismissed to it. At the time 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



53 



of the dissolution, the Associated Presbytery had more min- 
isters on its roll, but fewer churches. 

STATED CLERKS. 

Rev. Chauncey Graham, October 18, 1763. 
" Ichabod Lewis, October 12, 1774. 
" Benjamin Judd, May 4, 179:. 
" John Minor, May 8, 1794. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ELISHA KENT. 

Elisha Kent was born in Suffield, Conn., in 1704. He 
graduated at Yale in 1729. He was ordained and installed 
pastor of the church of Newtown, Conn., in 1732. He was 
one of those active ministers in the days of Edwards, the 
Tennents, and Whitefield who objected to being taxed for 
the support of ministers of whose labors they did not ap- 
prove, or in other words, of the then existing Religious 
Establishment of Connecticut. For this reason, he and a 
number of his people removed into the province of New 
York in 1740 "to be delivered," as he said, "from the 
Lord's spiritual." He took an active part in organizing con- 
gregations and settling difficulties in churches, and his name 
is found in the records of Presbytery and Synod as ap- 
pointed to some of the most difficult and important duties. 
He was grandfather of Chancellor James Kent. 

The following contemporary obituary notice from the 
Connecticut Journal of July, 1776, is of interest : "Died on 
the 17th of July, 1776, after a short confinement, the Rev. 
Elisha Kent, of Philippi, New York government, in the 
72nd year of his age and the 42nd of his ministry. He 
was endued by the Author of all good gifts with a sprightly 
genius, a quickness of invention and readiness of thought ; 
was of a cheerful, sociable, compassionate, hospitable dis- 
position, furnished with a rich treasury of knowledge, both 



54 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. '■ 

human and divine, which being sanctified by divine grace, 
rendered him very useful in life. As a Christian, he excelled 
in the cardinal grace of humility ; was ever inclined to think 
low of his attainments and performances ; he was enriched 
with many ministerial gifts and qualifications ; with an un- 
common faculty to prevent and heal difficulties ; was much 
improved and greatly serviceable in councils ; but 'tis well 
known to all his judicious acquaintances that he excelled 
more especially as to pulpit talents. His composition was 
truly good, his matter sound and instructive, his manner of 
address solemn and serious : he delivered with a pathos be- 
coming the importance of the subject — he was a faithful, 
painful [painstaking], profitable, searching preacher, and as 
such was exceeded by but few ; and to human appearance, 
it pleased God to improve him as an instrument of gather- 
ing many lost souls to Christ." 

JOHN SMITH. 

John Smith was born in England, May 5, 1702. He 
came with his father to New York, where the family became 
identified with the little band of Presbyterians who wor- 
shiped in the City Hall. Jonathan Edwards, during the 
eighteen months he preached to this flock, made his home 
with Mr. Smith. A friendship sprang up between the youth- 
ful preacher of nineteen and John, then twenty. They 
communed together about the things of God. John Smith 
graduated at Yale in 1727. May 15, 1729, he was ordained 
by the Fairfield Association.* We know nothing of his 
labors during the next thirteen years. In 1742, he took 
charge of the congregations of Rye and White Plains. 
Dec. 30, he was installed by a council of ministers of the 
Fairfield East Consociation ; 1752 he united with the Pres- 
bytery of New York; May 28, 1763, he was transferred by 
the Synod to the Presbytery of Dutchess County. 

In the same year the oversight of the new enterprise at 
Sing Sing was added to his other duties. In 1769, Ichabod 



*The Presbytery of N. Y., p. 155. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



55 



Lewis was ordained by the Presbytery and became his col- 
league in the care of the churches of White Plains and Sing 
Sing. During his pastorate Mr. Smith also practiced medi- 
cine. He seems "to have been widely known and held in 
high esteem by the Synod." Thus the records show, that in 
1735, the Rev. 'John Smith of Rye' was one of a committee 
to visit the Church at Jamaica, with reference to the pro- 
posed removal of their pastor, Mr. Bostwick, to New York. 
His associates were President Burr, Gilbert and William 
Tennent, and other distinguished men. In 1754, when Gil- 
bert Tennent was sent to England, with Pres. Davies, to 
solicit funds for the College of New Jersey, Mr. Smith was 
requested by the Synod to supply his pulpit for four Sab- 
baths. But the most important service, probably, which he 
was called upon to render to the church in this way, took 
place in 1766, when he was appointed one of the commis- 
sioners from the Synod of the Presbyterian Church to meet 
delegates from the consociated churches of Connecticut, for 
the purpose of initiating and maintaining a friendly corre- 
spondence between those bodies. Mr. Smith's associates in 
this duty were Dr. Alison, Dr. Rodgers, William Tennent, 
John Blair, and others.* "Worn out with various labors" 
he "fell asleep in Jesus" Feb. 26, 1771, and lies buried in 
the churchyard at White Plains. The inscription upon his 
tombstone designates him as the " first ordained minister of 
the Presbyterian persuasion in Rye and White Plains." 

SAMUEL SACKET. 

Samuel Sacket was born in Newtown, L. I., in 171 2 or 13. 
He was educated by Rev. Samuel Pumroy, the pastor of the 
church. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick, Oct., 1 741, and sent May 29, 1742, as a missionary to 
the northern Westchester. He was ordained Oct. 13, 1742, 
and installed the following year as pastor of the churches of 
Crompond (Yorktown), and Bedford. The pastoral connec- 
tion with the former was dissolved June 15, 1749. He was 



* Baird's History of Rye, p. 334. 



56 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 

dismissed from the Presbytery of New Brunswick May 17, 
1750, and May 22, 175 1, he was received by that of Suffolk. 
Changed views on the subject of baptism led to trouble at 
Bedford, and at his own request he was released April 4, 1753. 
The same year he received and accepted a call to the church 
at Crompond. April 1, 1760, he was released on account of 
want of support. He was recalled Oct. 28, 1761, and re- 
mained there until his death, June 5, 1784, at the age of 
seventy-two years. His tombstone bears this inscription : 
" He was a judicious, faithful, laborious, and successful min- 
ister of the Gospel." 1763 he had been transferred to the 
Presbytery of Dutchess County. Later, for some reason, he 
became dissatisfied and seceded. He came from the Pres- 
bytery of New Brunswick where Gilbert Tennent was the 
ruling spirit. He belonged to the " new lights," who were 
evangelical and pious men. Their preaching was earnest, 
"but often bitter and denunciatory." They made use of 
what were called new measures. His zeal earned him the 
reputation of being " one of the most enthusiastic Methodists." 
Dr. Forsyth, late chaplain at West Point, writes — " He was 
never a good Presbyterian. He was rather a Congregation- 
alist in sentiment. He was a man of a restless turn, and 
gave the Presbytery no little trouble." The history of the 
Yorktown Church furnishes no evidence of Congregational 
preferences. During the Revolutionary struggle he was an 
ardent patriot. 

SOLOMON MEAD. 

Solomon Mead's native place is not known. He grad- 
uated at Yale in 1748 with Bishop Seabury and President 
Daggett He was ordained and installed at South Salem, 
May 20, 1752, by a council composed for the most part of 
Congregational ministers from Connecticut. May 13, 1800, 
the pastoral relation was dissolved on account of the infirm- 
ities of age. The congregation voted him a pension of $100 
and firewood. He spent the remainder of his days with the 
people to whom he had ministered, and fell asleep Sept 4, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



57 



1 8 1 3, at the age of eighty-six years, eight months, and two 
days, after a ministry of more than sixty years. During 
these years he had baptized 912 infants and adults, married 
666 couples, and attended 328 burials. 

JOSEPH PECK. 

Of Joseph Peck we know but little. He was graduated 
at Princeton in 1756. Mar. 29, 1758, he was licensed by the 
Fairfield East Consociation. He was the first pastor of the 
Second Church in " Phillips Precinct," now Patterson. Feb. 
8, 1769, at his own request, on account of inadequate sup- 
port, the pastoral relation was dissolved. 



CHAPTER VII 



The Associated Westchester Presbytery. 
OR the origin of the movement out of which grew the 



A Associated Presbyteries we must look to the Presby- 
tery of New York. In Oct., 1779, Jacob Green, pastor for 
thirty years of the church at Hanover, N. J , withdrew from 
that body because of certain actions of the Synod. In his 
letter of withdrawal ''he objects to their authoritative 
method of ' ordering, appointing, and requiring, instead of 
recommending and desiring.' He objects to their assump- 
tion of legislative power, by enacting laws which bind the 
consciences of men, which he holds to be against the great 
Protestant principle ' that Christ has left no legislative power 
in the church.' He objects to the appointment by Synod of 
ministers to labor in distant points of the church without 
asking their consent, and censuring them severely if they 
do not comply with their appointments ; also in ordering 
(not desiring) them to take up contributions for certain ob- 
jects ; claiming the power to liberate ministers from their 
charges without the consent of the people. He objects to 
the order that candidates shall study a year after graduation 
before they can be licensed, which he holds to be a double 
imposition, — requiring a degree, and one year's study be- 
fore they can preach. He objects to the order requiring 
licentiates to write out in full their sermons and. show them 
to some minister before they are at liberty to preach them, 
which he thinks takes away the liberty, and in some in- 
stances contradicts the judgments and conscience of the 
candidate. He objects to the Synod's enjoining upon min- 
isters the keeping of registers of marriages, births, and bap- 




THE PRESBYTERY OF MORRIS COUNTY. 



59 



tisms, not only on account of the authoritative way in which 
it is ordered, but because he considers it impossible for any 
minister to know of all the births in his congregation. He 
objects to the use by Synod of the authoritative word ' en- 
join' instead of 'advise' when directing ministers not to 
read their sermons when they preach. In conclusion, Mr. 
Green objects to the reception of the Westminster Confes- 
sion of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory, without the liberty 
to make exception or explanation, and the injunction to teach 
and preach according to them." 

Rev. Joseph Grover, pastor of the Parsippany Church, 
N. J., withdrew with Mr. Green. Rev. Amzi Lewis, pastor 
of the church at Florida, N. Y., and Rev. Ebenezer Brad- 
ford of Succasanna, N. J., followed their example on May 
3, 1780. The Presbytery of New York sent committees to 
the churches, to which these brethren ministered, to explain 
to them Presbyterianism, and to enquire whether they pro- 
posed to go with l^heir pastors and sever their connection 
with the Presbytery. There is no evidence that any of them 
withdrew. 

The four ministers who seceded, on May 3, 1780, formed 
themselves into a body which they styled "The Presbytery 
of Morris County," afterwards known as " The Associated 
Presbytery of Morris County." According to their consti- 
tution, two stated meetings were to be held each year. Each 
church in their connection was authorized to send two elders 
or lay delegates. No jurisdiction was claimed over the 
churches, to which advice and assistance was to be given 
when asked for. Rules were not authoritative, and all 
agreements were alterable at pleasure. They also consti- 
tuted themselves a society for promoting learning and 
religion. May 30, 1787, they obtained an act of incorpora- 
tion from the New Jersey legislature under the title of 
"The trustees of the Society in Morris County, instituted 
for the promotion of learning and religion." A fund was 
secured by bequests and collections. 

Silas Constant, who had been ordained as an evangelist 



60 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



by the Presbytery of Morris County at Roxbury, May 29, 
1783, was invited in November, 1785, to supply the pulpit of 
the Hanover (now Yorktown) Church for one year. One 
year later he was called to be the pastor and installed by a 
council composed of members of Presbyteries of Morris 
County and Dutchess County. Within a few months after 
his coming to Hanover, he began to teach the peculiar 
tenets of the body to which he belonged. The " Church 
Records" kept by himself contain the following entries: — 

" March 8th, 1786, the Church met. Agreed to take up 
A number of Questions relative to the Church of Christ, 
and inquire after light respecting them. 

"Question 1st. Why ought Christian Brethren to im- 
body into A visible Church ? 

"The reasons given. 

" Quest. 2nd. What is A Christian Church ? 

" Ans. A number of visible Christians united together 
in the profession of the faith of the gospel, and Covenanted 
to walk in the ordinances of Christ. 

" 3rd. What are the qualifications of Church members ? 

" Ans. A visible profession of saving faith in Christ, 
and A life of conformity to the gospel. 

" March 24th. Church met etc. 

"4th Is every Body of Christians that are incor- 
porated a Distinct Church according to the word of God ? 

" Ans. Every church of Christ that is properly fur- 
nished with officers is Complete, and may properly attend to 
all cases for their own edification and purity. Yet the 
Church ought to call in advice when needed. 

" 5th. What officers has Christ appointed in His 
churches ? 

"Ans. Elders and Deacons. 

"March 31st the Church met etc. 

" Quest, 6th What are duties incumbent on church 
members in relation to each other ? 

"Ans. to pray for each other, and to exhort and 
reprove according to the Laws of Christ. 



ASSOCIATED PRESBYTERIANJSM. 



61 



" 7th How ought they to treat an open offending 
Brother ? 

" Ans. They ought to take the rules of Christ to bring 
him to repentance, Mat. 18. 

" 8th. May the Church put of and Suspend cases of 
Discipline for Scandalous conduct before the offender is re- 
claimed or excommunicated ? 

"Ans. Due moderation and Christian forbearance must 
be observed, but the Subject must not be neglected. 

" 9th. How ought the Church to treat an Excommuni- 
cated Brother ? 

" Ans. They ought to, universally Bear testimony against 
his conduct, and to withdraw the usual testimonies of 
friendship. 

"Quest. 10th Is there any Such thing as Suspension, 
short of excommunication ? 
" Ansered in the negative. 

"nth By whom is Sentance of Excommunication to 
be Declared & in what manner ? 

"Ans. by the pastor or Elder with the concurring 
voice of the whole Church. 

"Concluded with prayer. 

" Apr. 28. Church met etc. 

" 1 2th. In what cases ought A church to call A counsel ? 
" Ans. In all cases of Difficulty which Cannot be Setled 
without. 

" 13th. Are the Church Bound to receive the advice 
of A counsel in all Cases as Decisive ? 

" Ans. The Church ought not to take the Counsel for 
her rule, but ought to examine the ground of there opinion 
and advice, with Due respect to there Judment. 

" 14th Is it right for one Brother to Sue another be- 
fore the Civil magistrate ? 

"Ans. It is not right to sue A Brother in ordinary 
cases. 

" Concluded with prayer." 

The "Records" indicate that, after Mr. Constant's com- 



62 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



ing, the Session ceased to be the governing authority. It 
was the church that met and examined candidates for mem- 
bership ; " the church conversed on the subject of disci- 
pline" and appointed a committee to wait on an erring 
brother ; the church declared by vote that he [an offender] 
should be no longer owned as a member in their com- 
munion " ; " the church proceeded to excommunicate him [a 
person charged with theft] from their fellowship." There 
is corroborative evidence in abundance from independent 
sources, which will be presented further on. 

Amzi Lewis, one of the original members of the Presby- 
tery of Morris County, and its clerk, removed from Florida, 
Orange County, N. Y., to North Salem in 1787, where he 
took charge of the Academy and also acted as pastor of the 
church. 1 79 1, we find John Townley at Greenburgh (Elms- 
ford), and John Cornwall (sometimes spelled Cornwell), 
at Stanford (Nine Partners), Dutchess County, N. Y. 
Whether these men adopted Mr. Constant's methods of prop- 
agating Associated Presbyterianism, we do not know. It 
certainly was not necessary in the churches to which Messrs. 
Lewis and Townley ministered. To many, perhaps to a 
majority, of our congregations this form of Presbyterianism 
was acceptable. 

In the judgment of the Morris County Presbytery, 
Westchester and Dutchess offered a promising field. At a 
session of that body held Oct., 1791, the following minute 
was adopted : 

"As the members of this Presbytery are much scattered ; and a number of 
them are so situated in counties of Dutchess and Westchester in the State of 
New York, that they may conveniently associate and form a Presbytery; and 
as there appears to be an opening for such a body and a prospect of its useful- 
ness in those parts, it is agreed, that Messrs. Lewis, Cornwall, Townly, and 
Constant, members of this Presbytery, have the free consent and approbation 
of this Presbytery, to unite together and form themselves into an associated 
Presbytery, by the name of Westchester Presbytery, for the purpose of pro- 
moting the objects of this Presbytery in those parts; And that they may prove 
and recommend candidates for the gospel ministry and ordain them when they 
judge it expedient and perform all other presbyterial acts according to the 
original design of this associated presbytery. And for maintaining and pro- 
moting brotherly union and connection between the Presbyteries and insuring 



THE CONSTITUTION. 



63 



as much as possible their mutual assistance the following Rules were agreed 
to, viz. : — 

" 1. That each Presbytery shall be equal and independent on each other 
with respect to all their presbyterial transaction. 

" 2. That all the present stated members of this Presbytery shall be full 
members of each Presbytery, when constituted, and may when it is convenient 
meet with each other in all presbyterial business as full members. 

" 3. That all the present stated members of this Presbytery shall have a 
right to continue members of the Society for promoting learning and religion, 
and while they are such shall be under the same obligation that they are now 
under to attend the annual meeting of the said Society. 

"4. That each Presbytery may admit members as they please who shall 
have all the rights of original members as to ecclesiastical or common 
presbyterial business, but shall not be members of the Society for promoting 
learning and religion unless they are admitted by said Society at some regular 
meeting. 

" 5. That the Presbytery of Morris County shall not transact matters 
respecting the funds of the Society for promoting learning and religion at any 
other meeting except their stated meeting in the Fall unless a meeting of the 
Society be called and notified by the Moderator according to the stated rules 
of said Society."* 

From " The Constitution and Records of the Associated 
Westchester Presbytery " we learn how the decision of the 
parent organization was carried into effect : 

" Messrs. Amzi Lewis, John Cornwall, and John Townley Ministers and 
Solomon Close and John Oakly Delegates met at the house of Mr. Amzi 
Lewis January 3d A. D. 1792. Messrs. Abner Benedict and Medad Rogers 
and Daniel Marsh being present were invited to sit with them in Convention 
to consult with them upon the subject above mentioned. — After which Mr. 
Townley was chosen Chairman and Mr. Marsh Clerk. — After prayer by the 
Chairman the Convention entered upon business. — The importance of form- 
ing an Associated Presbytery in these parts was considered and from various 
arguments drawn from the extent of the Country — from no Presbytery of this 
kind being in this vicinity — and from the duty of uniting together to promote 
the Redeemer's cause it was unanimously agreed that the good of the Churches 
require the forming of a Presbytery upon the principles above mentioned. — 
Accordingly Messrs. Amzi Lewis, John Cornwall, John Townley, Abner Bene- 
dict, Medad Rogers and Daniel Marsh with the approbation of the Delegates, 
united together and formed themselves into a Presbytery by the name of the 
Associated Westchester Presbytery and unanimously agreed to the following 
articles viz — 

" 1. 'That the Presbytery will ordinarily meet twice in a year and oftener if 
it appears needful to consult and agree upon the most expedient measures to 

*The Constitution and Records of the Associated Westchester Presby- 
tery, pp. 1 and 2. 



64 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



promote Religion, and to give the Churches an opportunity to apply to us for 
the advice and assistance which may be proper for an Associated Presbytery 
to afford them. 

" 2. We agree to invite each church to send a Delegate to attend this 
Presbytery at each session and join with us in our endeavours to promote the 
Redeemer's Kingdom. 

" 3. As we design to proceed regularly at our meetings and endeavour to 
promote Religion, we agree that a Moderator shall be chosen at each stated 
Presbytery and a Clerk to minute the most material transactions ; and that we 
will begin and conclude with Prayer. 

"4. We agree that this Presbytery as a body shall never assume or claim 
any jurisdiction over the Churches or authoritatively intermeddle with their 
affairs. 

" 5. That this body will be ready to give any advice or other assistance 
whenever any Church or individuals make proper application to them. 

"6. That this body shall have a right to admit Ministers as stated mem- 
bers by a majority of two thirds of the members present and to exclude them 
by a bare majority. 

" 7. That this body have a right to examine for their satisfaction any per- 
son who proposes to join with them as a member. 

" 8. That the minutes of each Session shall be regularly transcribed in a 
Book and kept for the use of the Presbytery. 

"9. That the Presbytery when met may appoint the time and place of 
their next meeting and that the Moderator may with the advice of one or 
more members call a Presbytery on any special occasion." a 



The above extract from the minutes shows that three 
persons, Abner Benedict, Meclad Rogers, and Daniel Marsh, 
not members of the parent body but evidently in sympathy 
with them in their views of church polity, were present at 
the organization of the Presbytery and took part in the pro- 
ceedings. Mr. Constant was not present at the first meet- 
ing, but was at the next held in the Court House at White 
Plains, May 8, 1792, and was enrolled. 



ROLL OF MINISTERS. 



Name. 
. Amzi Lewis, 



Church. 
North Salem, 
North Stamford (Ct.), 



Jan. 3, 1792, *Apr. 5, 1819 



Enrolled. 



2. John Cornwall, 



Stanford (N. Y.), 
Cornwell (Ct.), 



*Mar. 10, 18 1 2 



a The Constitution and Records, pp. 2-4. 
*Died. 



ROLL OF MINISTERS. 



65 



Name. 
John Townley, P. 



S. S., 

4. Abner Benedict, S. S. 

S. S. 

5. Medad Rogers, P., 

6. Daniel Marsh, P., 
7- 



17- 
18. 
19. 
20. 



Silas Constant, P., 
Robert Campbell, P., 
Jonas Hickok, S. S., 
David Harrower, P., 
Allan Blair, P., 

S. S., 
S. S., 
S. S., 
Jason Perkins, 
James Barr, H. M. 

H. M. 
Richard Andrns, S. S. 
John McNiece, S. S., 
S. S., 

Stephen Dodd, S. S., 
P., 

Abel Jackson, 
Sylvanus Haight, S. S. 
John Barnet, 
Abraham Purdy, S. S 
S. S, 

s. s. 
s. s. 



Joel Osborn, 

and P., 
Abner Brunda< 



Church. 
Greenburgh, 
First Congregational 
New York.' 
Red Mills. 
North Salem, 
Pound Ridge. 
New Fairfield South 

Society, Ct., 
Poughkeepsie, 
Rumbout, 
Crompond, 
Stillwater, 
Red Mills, 
Walton, 

New Hempstead, 
Middletown. 
Gilead. 
Red Mills. 



Enrolled. 
Jan. 3, 1792. *Mar. 1, 



[812 



" tOct. 27, 1801 

" " {June 1, 1819 

" {May 13, 1801 

May 8, 1792, *Mar. 22, 1825 
May 15, 1793, I !796 
Feb. 23, 1796, §May 15, 1806 
Sept. 29, 1796, {May 13, 1800 
June 28, 1797, *June 14, 1829 



Oct. 2, 1800, {May 12, 1813 
< r " {Oct. 1, 1806 



(Georgia), 
(Tennessee). 
, Pound Ridge, 
North Salem, 
Franklin. 

Gilead and Red Mills, Sept. 28, 1803, {May 4, 1820 

Salem (Ct.). 

East Haven (Ct.). 

Middletown, 
, Somers, 

Union, Amenia, 
, Peekskill, 
, North Salem. 
, Somers. 



May 11, 1802, {Sept. 18, 1822 
May-^12, 1802, {Dec. 19, 1808 



May 9, 1804, {Sept. 18, 1822 
June 18, 1806, {Sept. 27, 1808 
Sept. 27, 1808, { 1 81 3 

Oct. 17, 1810, *Aug. 7, 1825 



e, S. S. 
S. S. 

s. s. 



John R. St. John, 
Jas. N. Austin, S. S., 
Samuel N. Phelps, 
Joseph F. C. S. Frev, 
P., 

Ezra H. Day, S. S., 
John G. Lowe, S. S., 



Union, 

Peekskill, 
Gilead. 
Franklin. 
Brookfield (Ct.). 

Gilead, 

Ridgefield (Ct.), 
Independent, New 

York City, 
Somers, 
Pound Ridge, 



Sept. 26, 181 1, tMay 11, 1814 
May 16, 1816, {Apr. 26, 1826 



May 16, 1816, { 1820 
tjune 3, 1818 

1816 

Apr. 15, 1818, {Oct. 17, 1821 

June 3, 1818, { 1822 
Nov. 11, 1819, {Apr. 26, 1826 



*Died. IDismissed. {Name dropped. §Demitted the ministry. 



66 



THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



Name. Church. Enrolled. 

29. Evan Roberts, May 3, 1820, jSept. 17, 1822 

30. John White, Tea., (Brooklyn), May 2, 1820, t 1825 

P., Monroe. 

31. William McLean, " " |Sept. 18, 1822 

32. Enoch Bouton, H. M., Jersey City, Oct. 5, 1820, | 1822 

33. Hosea Ball, S. S., Monroe, Oct. 18, 1821, tjune 2, 1830 

H. M., Highlands (N. Y.). 

34. Edward McLaughlin, Oct. 18, 1821, t 1824 
35 Isaac Allerton, S. S., Gilead, May 1, 1823, jApr. 30, 1828 
36. Rich'd Waller Knight, June 29, 1825, |Sept. 27, 1827 



37. Daniel Jones, S. S. 



) Cong. Church, York- t( (( 
) town, N. Y., 

38. Israel Hammond, Sept. 24, 1828, tjune 2, 1830 

39. Richard N. Dey, Oct. 6, 1829, f 



Doubtless further investigation will reveal errors in the 
above roll. It is the best that can be done from the min- 
utes. It seems to have been quite common for ministers to 
join other ecclesiastical bodies without a regular dismission 
from the Presbytery. This doubtless is accounted for, in 
part, by the inadequate postal arrangements of that day, 
and explains the large number of names dropped from the 
roll. 

ROLL OF CHURCHES. 

Name. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 

1. North Salem, West. Co., N. Y., Amzi Lewis, S. S , 1787-June 1795 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1796-1799 

Samuel N. Phelps, 1800-1801 (?) 

John McNiece, S. S., 1801-1803 (?) 

Supplied by Presbytery, 1803, '5, and '13 

Abraham Purdy, S. S., 1815-1817 

Herman Daggett, S. S., 1817- 
David Delevan, S. S. 

2. Sing Sing, Sup. by Presbytery,* 1798-1802 and 1810 

Mt. Pleasant, West. Co., N. Y., Thomas Jackson, P., j ^ 1 ^ j~ 

Axr-ir r- a i T an - !6, l8l6- 

William Gray, A. P., j ^ l? > igifi 

George Bourne, S. S., 1819-1822 
Richard W. Knight, S. S., 1823 
Johnson, S. S., 1824-1825 



* Supplies appointed. t Dismissed. \ Name dropped. 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 



67 



Name. 
3. Crompond, 

Yorktown, West. Co., N. Y., 
Ind. Presb. or Cong. Church, 



4. Red Mills, Dutchess (later 
Putnam) Co., N. Y., 



5. Greenburgh (Elmsford), West. 
Co., N. Y., 



6. Stamford, Dutchess Co., N. Y 

7. Po'keepsie, " " 

8. Cornwall, Litchfield Co., Ct., 

9. Gilead, Dutchess (now Put- 

nam) Co., N. Y., 



Pastors and Stated Supplies. 
Silas Constant, P., 
Daniel Jones, S. S., 
Griffith H. Griffith, S. S., 
Wm. Albert Hyde, P., 
Josephus B. Loring, S. S. 
Samuel White, S. S., 
J. B. Stoddard, S. S., 
Josephus B. Loring, S. S. 
J. H. Thomas, S. S., 
Amzi Benedict, S. S., 
G. W. McMillan, S. S., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Jonas Hickok, S. S., 
Stephen Dodd, S. S., 
Herman Daggett, S. S., 
John Townley, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Allan Blair, S. S., 
B. Y. Morse, S. S., 

John Townley, S. S., 



Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Thomas G. Smith, S. S., 

, John Cornwall, P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Daniel Marsh, 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
« << # 

John Cornwall, 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 



10. First Independent, N. Y. City, 

11. Rose Street, New York City. 



Stephen Dodd, S. S., 
Herman Daggett, S. S., 
Allan Blair, S. S., 
James N. Austin, S. S., 
Abner Brundage, S. S., 
Isaac Allerton, S. S., 

Asahel Bronson, S. S., 

B. Y. Morse, S. S., 
John Townley, 

Joseph F. C. S. Frey, P., 



Term of Service. 
1786-Mar. 22, '25 
1825-1828 
1828-1832 
Jan. 2, 1833-1838 
1838-1841 
1842-1843 
1 844- 1 846(F) 
i846(?)-i849 
1 849- 1 8 54 
1855-1856 
1857-1864 

1793 
1793-1802 
1 803-1 8 10 
1810-1812 
i8ri 
1812 

Jan. 1, 1813-1827 
1828-1829 

1792 (?)-i798 

{ May 8, 1798- 
( May 13, 1800 
1797, 1 800-1802 
1812-1820 
-Mar. 10, i8i2(?) 

1812 

1791-Oct. 1, 1800 

1796, 1797, 1798 
1 800- 1 803 
i79o-(?) 
1 800-1 802 



1802-July 15, '10 
1810-1812 
1812-1813 
1815-1816 
1818-1821 
1823-1824 
( Apr. 1824- 
( Apr. 1827 
1828-1829 
-1810 
( Apr. 15, 1818- 
( Sept. 9, 1822 



* Supplies appointed. 



68 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



Name. 

12. North Stamford, Fairfield Co., 
Ct, 



13. N«w Marlborough, Ulster 
Co., N. Y., 



14. New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y., 

15. Amenia, Dutchess Co., N. Y., 

16. Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y 

17. Ridgebury, Orange Co., N. Y., 

18. Salem, Ct., 

19. Somers, Westchester Co., N. Y. 



20. Peekskill, West.. Co., N. Y., 
Independent Presb. Church, 



21. Walkill, Orange Co., N. Y., 

22. Caldwell, N. J., 

23. Pound Ridge, West. Co., N. Y. 



24. Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y. 



Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1819 

Abel Jackson, P., Nov. 22, 1 792-^9 

Ambrose Porter, Nov. 18, 1806- 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1809 
Abel Jackson, P., Nov. 22, 1792-99 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1797 

1797 

Stephen Dodd, P., Oct., 1810-1817 

, Silas Constant, S. S., 1810 

Sylvanus Haight, S. S., June 18, 1806- 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1812-1815 

Supplied by Presbyterv l8 , r8l( , 

of Hudson* 1816-1817 

Ezra H. Day, S. S., 1818-1822 (?) 

Abraham Purdy, S. S., 1824-1825 

Griffith H. Griffith, S. S., 1825-1828 

Henry Benedict, 1833-1836 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1800 

Abraham Purdy, S. S., 1810- 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1812-1814 

Abner Brundage, S. S., May, 1815-1819 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 1819 and 1826 



25. Deer Park, Orange Co., N. Y., 

26. Monroe, " " " 



Abner Benedict, S. S., 
Richard Andrus, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Asahel Bronson, 
John G. Lowe, S. S., 
Charles Seely, S. S., 
Zenas Smith, S. S., 
William Bull, S. S., 
Allan Blair, S. S., 
Abel Jackson, P., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
William Blain, S. S., 
Daniel Young, S. S., 

Hosea Ball, S. S., 
John White, P., 
John Boyd, S. S., 



Nov. 



1796 
1802-1818 
1818-1819 
1818 
11, i8i9-'2i 
1796 

1798- 
1805- 1 807 
1 808-18 1 2 
1812-June 2, '19 
1819 

1820- 1823 
1823-1824 

1821- 1823 
June, 1823- 

Sept, 1824 
1825-1834 



* Supplies appointed. 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 



69 



27. Brookfield, Ct., 

28. Pittsburgh, Dutchess Co., N. Y. 

29. Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., / 



Name. 



Pastors and Stated Supplies. 
Abner Brundage, 



Term of Service. 
l82I- 



N. Y., 

30. Sharon Mountain, Ct., 

31. Pittstown, N. Y. 

32. New Hempstead, N. Y., 



Allan Blair, P., 



Supplied by Presbytery,* 



June 27, 1797- 



1796-1797 



33. Litchfield, Ct., 

34. Goshen, Ct. 

35. Franklin, Del. Co., N. V. 

36. Carlisle, Schoharie Co., N. Y. 

37. Esperance, " " " 



The above list cannot properly be termed a roll. To 
construct one according to the views of the Associated 
Presbyteries would be impossible, because the connection 
of the churches with the Presbytery is not given. Some 
were under what they called their " watch and care," but 
how many it is impossible to determine. Others seem to 
have owed their connection to their pastor or stated supply, 
who was a member. A change in the pulpit severed the tie. 
The incumbent, too, from motives of convenience or prefer- 
ence, often united with a different ecclesiastical body, and 
the church would go with him. Still others only applied 
for supplies, as Franklin and Bedford. The roll is really a 
list of churches, the names of which appear in the minutes. 

Of the thirty-nine churches during the thirty-eight years 
of the -Presbytery's existence, only twenty were represented 
at its meetings by delegates. North Salem, Mt. Pleasant, 
Yorktown, Red Mills, Poughkeepsie, Cornwall, Stamford, 
New York, Gilead, North Stamford, Salem, Somers, Amenia, 
Ridgebury, Peekskill, Pound Ridge, Middletown, Monroe, 
Brookfield, and Greenburgh. The churches most frequently 
represented were Yorktown, Red Mills, Gilead, and North 
Stamford. North Salem and Mt. Pleasant were the first to 
connect themselves with the Presbytery. Yorktown and 
Red Mills cast in their lot a few months later. Pound 

* Supplies appointed. 



38. Franklin, Dutchess (now Put- ) 
nam Co.), N. Y., J 



Supplied by Presbytery, 



1795 and J 799 



70 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



Ridge, which was represented in the Presbytery of Hudson, 
April 20, 1796, may have followed their example through 
the influence of Abner Benedict, who became stated supply 
in 1796. 

The West Church of Phillips Precinct, formerly known 
as Gregory's Parish, worshiped in a log structure, located 
in what is now the town of South East, not far from the 
Carmel line. It had practically become extinct. August 9, 
1792, it was reorganized by " members of different churches 
and of the former church in this place, now dissolved " by 
the adoption of nine articles of faith and a covenant. By 
request Rev. Messrs. Ichabod Lewis, Jehu Minor, Amzi 
Lewis, and Silas Constant were present. A new house of 
worship was erected one mile south of the village of Car- 
mel at what is now known as the Gilead Burying Ground. 
The polity of the church was that of its predecessor, Con- 
gregational. Dec. 9, 1792, the name was changed to 
Gilead. It is impossible to determine when this congrega- 
tion became connected with the Associated Westchester 
Presbytery ; probably, not long after its reorganization. A 
second reorganization took place June r, 1803, when the 
Second Presbyterian Congregational Church of Carmel was 
constituted, which adopted the articles and covenant framed 
in 1792. 



CHAPTER VIII 



The Associated Westchester Presbytery Continued. 

THE Yorktown Church* engaged Silas Constant as 
stated supply for one year, November, 1785. Objec- 
tion was publicly made at the meeting of the congregation 
that he was not a member of an ecclesiastical body in con- 
nection with the Presbyterian Church. He expressed a 
willingness to unite with the Dutchess County Presbytery, 
and did so at the next meeting held at Bedford, May 18, 
1786, but only as "an advisory member." November, 1786, 
he was called as pastor, and at his own request installed by 
a council composed of members of the Dutchess County 
and Morris County Presbyteries. As we have already shown, 
shortly after his ministry began he taught the peculiar views 
of the body from which he came on ecclesiastical polity. 
At this time there were four elders. The first entry in the 
record kept by himself states that " the church and elders 
met." From that date (January 5, 1786) to May 2, 1806, 
there is no mention made of the eldership. The church, 
according to the record — not the session — met for the ex- 
amination of applicants for membership and for the disci- 
pline of delinquent members, f Within twenty years three 

* This account of the division at Yorktown during Mr. Constant's pastorate 
was prepared after a very careful study of the records of the church, the 
Dutchess County Presbytery, Associated Westchester Presbytery, and Pres- 
bytery of Hudson, the evidence in the trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith before 
the Presbytery of Bedford (Records, vol. i, pp. 142-279), and three pamphlets 
published in 1807. 

t That a change had taken place in the government of the church is con- 
ceded by all. A View of the late Difficulties in the Presbyterian Congregation 
in Yorktown for the Information of the Friends of Zion. By the Presbyterian 
Church in said place [Records of Presbytery of Bedford, vol. i, pp. 207-241] — 



/2 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



of the four elders had passed away. The vacancies were 
not filled. The election of new elders was urged in the 
public meetings upon Mr. Constant. No action, however, 
was taken. 

There was no pronounced opposition to change in the 
government of the church until October, 1805, when the 
pastor made use of this statement in receiving a person to 
the church. " Mr. Porter, you must understand that it is 
not a Presbyterian but a Congregational Church you are 
about to join." This announcement astonished many of the 
congregation. Judge Lee called on Mr. Constant the next 
morning for an explanation. The latter is said to have 
replied, " It is a Congregational Church and has been so 
near twenty years ; now help yourself, if you can." The 
people took sides ; the majority sided with the pastor, while 
the minority, under the leadership of Judge Lee, opposed 
him. Excitement, no doubt, ran high, and probably both 
sides used unchristian language towards each other. Judge 
Lee was publicly excommunicated February 16, 1806, on the 
charge of slandering Mr. Constant.* 

" There were then three elders in the church, who together with the brethren 
in general, adopted the method of receiving their members by an examination 
before the elders and church in a body, and of judging concerning them in 
cases of discipline, but did not establish it by any vote or act of the church, 
that it should be the invariable method [210-1] . . . The confession now 
used by this church is a compound of the doctrines of the church of Scotland 
. . . brought forward by the elders or deacons at or before the settlement of 
the present pastor " [p. 211]. An account of the Dissensions, etc., by an Impar- 
tial Spectator — "The only matters in which any change has taken place are 
in church discipline [9] . . . It is a fact admitted that Mr. Constant is a 
Presbyterian of the Congregational order" [p. 13]. Manual for the commu- 
nicants of the Congregational Church in Yorktown, N. Y., March, 1833 — "Dur- 
ing Mr. Constant's ministry the church, which had before been Presbyterian, 
gradually assumed the Congregational form of government, and in 1787 Dr. Elias 
Cornelius and Mr. Benjamin Haight were chosen Deacons . . . About the 
year 1806, a division occurred in the church, when more than two-thirds of 
the members adhered to Mr. Constant, and maintained the Congregational 
form of government, and the remainder resumed the Presbyterian form." 

* Only at this point is evidence really conflicting. There is another 
version of the origin of the difficulty by the " Impartial Spectator." " About 
the year 1805, he (Judge Lee) formed a plan to get into his possession a house 



DIVISION AT YORKTOWN. 



73 



The church had been incorporated under the law of the 
State in 1784. Through failure to elect trustees it had 
ceased to be a corporation ; the trouble called attention to 
the fact. A meeting was called for the purpose of re-incor- 
poration for March 4, 1806. Both parties were present, and 
each, no doubt, desired to elect trustees favorable to their 
interests. Judge Lee and his friends finding themselves 
in a minority, left the church and organized at a private 
house near by, electing trustees and adopting the name of 
the " First Presbyterian Church settled upon the plan of the 
church of Scotland in Hanover." The majority also elected 
trustees and assumed the same name. Both certificates 
were filed with the county clerk for record. 

The Presbyterian element began to realize the necessity 
for the organization of a Presbyterian Church. Accordingly, 
April 16, 1806, Judge Lee and Daniel Horton, Jr., appeared 
before the Presbytery of Hudson, in session at Franklin, 
with a petition of thirty-three persons, calling attention to 
the disorganized condition and the clanger of losing the 
property, and requesting the organization of a church. The 
Presbytery appointed a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. 
Andrew King, John Ely, Methuselah Baldwin, Isaac Lewis, 
Ebenezer Grant, and Eliezer Burnet, and Elders Reuben 
Hopkins, John Hayt, Moses St. John, and James Porter a 
committee "to meet at Yorktown on Tuesday, the 10th day 
of June next, at n a. m., to receive under the care of the 
Presbytery said congregation, should it be constituted, to 

which stands on the ground belonging to the congregation, on certain terms 
which he submitted to them. His propositions were opposed by Dr. White 
and some others of the leading members of the society, and negatived. Not 
upon the principle that Judge Lee intended to defraud the society, which, 
however, might have been the fact, but upon the general ground that it would 
be against their interest to accede to it. The dispute ran high, and Judge Lee 
was much irritated to find he could not bring a majority of the congregation 
into his views ; and from that time he appears to have formed his hostile 
plans, and to have waged perpetual warfare against the congregation, etc., 
etc.," pp. 5-7. [We have no evidence of this beyond the bare statements in 
the pamphlets.] 



10 



74 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



organize a church in said congregation, provided said com- 
mittee should deem it expedient, and to grant them any 
other assistance in the power of the Presbytery to grant 
them." 

The committee met as directed, and in their report pre- 
sented at Bethlehem on September 3 following, gave the 
results of their investigations : 

"The committee to whom was referred the petition of Judge Lee, Daniel 
Horton, Jr., and others of Yorktown, report, that in obedience to the appoint- 
ment and order of Presbytery your committee met at Yorktown in Westchester 
county, on Tuesday the ioth day of June last past, (except the Rev. Mr. Eliezer 
Burnet and Mr. John Hayt) at which time the petitioners came forward with a 
request that the congregation, of which they were members, might be taken 
under the care of the Presbytery of Hudson. In proceeding on the business 
the committee found the inhabitants of Yorktown unhappily divided. The 
petitioners informed your committee that they had agreeably to the recom- 
mendation of Presbytery, incorporated according to law, and styled themselves 
Presbyterians, agreeably to the plan of the Church of Scotland, and declared 
it to be their desire and design, to act in all matters of discipline conformably 
to the rules of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, as has been the 
case in former times, when Mr. Sackett was their minister and stood connected 
with the Presbytery of Dutchess. The other party, with Mr. Silas Constant, 
their present teacher, said they were also incorporated under the same style, 
and professed themselves Presbyterians, agreeably to the plan of the church 
of Scotland, although they acknowledged that they had laid aside the use of 
ruling elders, and were in the practice of receiving members into their church, 
and conducting the internal government thereof, agreeably to the constitution 
adopted by that body which call themselves the Morris County Presbytery. 

" After hearing the parties at considerable length, until a late hour in the 
evening, your committee agreed to propose to them the following questions for 
their consideration, to be answered the next morning at the meeting of the 
committee, and delivered them copies thereof, viz. 

" 1st. Notwithstanding all the animosities and difference of opinion, and 
apparent prevalence of party spirit which have existed for some time past in 
the congregation — are the members thereof willing to adhere to their original 
style of incorporation, and the style expressed in the deed by which they hold 
their public property ? 

" 2d. Have the members of this congregation heretofore considered them- 
selves, and Mr. Sackett, their former minister, as connected with a body of 
Christians styled the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and with the 
late Presbytery of Dutchess ? 

" 3d. Do this congregation now consider themselves as connected with any 
order or denomination of Christians ? And what is that particular order ? 

"4th. Do they consider themselves as now connected; or do they, at this 
time, desire to connect themselves with the Presbytery of Hudson, which now 
embraces the late Presbytery of Dutchess ? 



DIVISION AT YORKTOWN. 



75 



"That at the meeting of the committee on Wednesday morning, June nth, 
the parties appeared, and the petitioners gave the committee the following- 
answers to the questions above mentioned, to wit — To questions ist, 2d and 
4th they answer in the affirmative ; and to the 3d they do consider themselves 
connected with the Presbyterian Church. 

"That the other party, by Mr. Constant, gave the following answers to the 
questions above mentioned, viz. — To question 1st in the affirmative. To 2d, 
the Presbyterian Church of the United States was not known as such in the 
days of Mr. Sackett, and we have never learned any such style from the aged 
people, but we think they were in connection with the Presbytery of Dutchess so 
long as it existed as such. To question 3d, answer yes, in the more extensive 
sense of the word; we consider ourselves connected with every order of 
Christians who hold the faith of the gospel. But as the Presbytery of Dutchess, 
as such, is extinct, and we have never formally joined any other body, we must 
be considered as connected with the church of Scotland, according to our 
former style. To question 4th, they have never adopted a style that implies 
that they consider themselves in any other sense connected with the Hudson 
Presbytery, than with other religious bodies ; and whether the church wishes 
to connect with the Hudson Presbytery, we are not prepared to answer. 

" Your committee further report, that having sought after all possible infor- 
mation respecting the state of the inhabitants of Yorktown, as to their eccle- 
siastical concerns, are grieved that they are obliged to consider that people in a 
very broken and divided state. A considerable proportion of the inhabitants 
having forsaken the Presbyterian Church and connection, your committee 
therefore consider it their duty to pay due attention to the reduced congrega- 
tion of Presbyterians which they find in that place ; and unanimously agreed 
to take said congregation under the care of the Hudson Presbytery in full con- 
fidence that the Presbytery will attend to the congregation, and from time to 
time afford them such advice and assistance as may, under the smiles of 
heaven, tend to restore them to their former state of prosperity.'' [Records of 
the Presbytery of Bedford, vol. I, pp. 159-164.] 

Rev. Ebenezer Grant was appointed to preach at York- 
town on the third Sabbath in October, to preside in the 
choice of elders, ordain them, if he think proper, and 
administer the Lord's Supper. These duties were per- 
formed and the service held in the church apparently on 
October 6th, because we find the following protest in the 
church record under date of October 1 1 : — 

" Whereas the Rev. Ebenezer Grant of Bedford came into this place on 
the 6th inst without even notifying the church at large or even the pastor, pro- 
ceeded to appoint two ruling elders over this church, 

" Resolved, I. That this conduct is unjustifiable by any known Gospel rule 
or precedent. 

"2. That this church view it as a grand imposition on the church and 
pastor. 

"3. That it tends to schism and disorder." [Church Records, p. 59.] 



j6 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



Mr. Constant and his friends were not idle. April 19, 
1806, they considered the propriety "of appointing elders 
or some persons to assist in worship occasionally, and in 
matters of discipline, and visitations &c. " ; and May 2, two 
elders were elected. July 7 it was 

"Agreed unanimously that this church consider themselves as originally 
standing in connection with the church of Scotland and belonging to the late 
Dutchess Presbytery. 

" Voted that this church do and will maintain the style and continue in the 
same connection with the church of Scotland as far as possible and circum- 
stances render convenient. 

" Voted that this church in style, doctrine and worship are essentially the 
same they always were from the first establishment as a church." [Church 
Records, p. 54.] 

August 17th, it was decided to call an ecclesiastical 
council composed of Rev. Messrs. Amzi Lewis, Richard 
Andrus, Stephen Dodd, Jehu Minor, Grant, ■ Bar- 
net, John Cornwell, and Sylvanus Haight, and delegates 
from the churches to which they ministered. The Council 
met at Yorktown in September. How many of the per- 
sons invited were present we do not know. The following 
questions were presented for their consideration : — 

" 1. The council are requested to examine into the origin and present con- 
stitution and standing of this church, their covenant, confession of faith, and 
connections, and give us their opinion, whether we have so altered in either 
or each of these particulars, as to destroy our original constitution, and given 
grounds for their objections (that is, the objections of those that have absented 
themselves from the Church) ? 

" 2. Whether there are any grounds on which those members can be justi- 
fied for their withdrawing from this church in the manner they do ? 

" 3. What is expedient, and duty for this church to do further, towards 
those members who have withdrawn from us ? 

" 4. Can a minor part of a church and congregation, withdrawing them- 
selves from the main body to which they belong, be justly stiled the body or 
church and society, from which they withdrew ? " * 

The council returned the following answers : — 

" The council have no evidence that the church have so altered in any- 
thing as to destroy their original constitution, or afford grounds for the absen- 
sions of the disaffected members. 



* A View of the Difficulties, etc. (Records of Pres. of Bedford, vol. I, pp. 
226-7). 



DIVISION AT YORKTOWN. 



77 



" And therefore, in respect to the second question, we discover no justifia- 
ble grounds for those members to withdraw themselves from the church in the 
manner they have done. 

"And in answer to the third question, we reply, that according to the 
representation made to us, those members must be considered as offenders and 
treated agreeable to the laws of the Gospel. 

"In respect to the fourth question, we observe, that a minor part of a 
church and congregation, withdrawing from the majority, and holding the same 
doctrines, cannot be, with propriety, called the same church and congregation 
from which they withdrew. 

" The council earnestly exhort the church to act with caution and the 
meekness of wisdom in all their proceedings, and endeavor to keep the unity 
of the spirit in the bond of peace, and commend them to the grace of God, 
which is able to build them up and establish them in the order of the Gospel." * 

The advice given was accepted, and within the next few 
months a number of those who had withdrawn were excom- 
municated. 

Shortly after Rev. Mr. Grant ordained elders, the major- 
ity secured exclusive possession of the church. An eject- 
ment suit was begun by the Presbyterian portion of the 
congregation. The action was tried before the Circuit 
Court, Chief Justice (afterwards Chancellor) Kent presiding, 
May 1 8, 1807. The case turned upon the stipulation in the 
deed of the property that it was " for the use of a Presby- 
terian congregation and to be used as a public place of divine 
worship by the neighbors and inhabitants thereabouts exer- 
cising their religion and public worship of God Almighty 
after and according to the form of worship used and exer- 
cised by the now established Presbyterian Church govern- 
ment in that part of Great Britain, called Scotland, and for 
no other purpose or intent whatsoever." Which of the two 
parties to the suit complied with the stipulation ? Among 
the witnesses for the plaintiffs were Rev. Messrs. John Mc- 
Knight (D.D.), John Rogers (D.D.), John Ely, Ebenezer 
Grant, and Methuselah Baldwin. The only witness for the 
defendant was Rev. Silas Constant. The Chief Justice in 
his charge is reported to have said — "The testimony on 
part of Mr. Constant is very respectable, but the testimony 

*A View of the Difficulties, etc. (Records of Pres. of Bedford, vol. I., 
pp. 228-9). 



THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



on the other side is equally respectable, and eight times as 
strong." The judgment rendered was in favor of the plain- 
tiffs. No appeal was taken, and the building was restored 
to the Presbyterian church. 

The ejected party built a new house of worship about 
three-fourths of a mile east of the old one. It became 
known as the Independent Presbyterian and later as the 
Congregational Church. The division was attended by 
great excitement and engendered much bitterness. Three 
pamphlets were published, one by the majority entitled " A 
View of the Late Difficulties" etc., a second, which bears the 
title of " Strictures" etc., prepared it is said by a member of 
the Presbytery of Hudson in reply to the first, and a third 
styled "An Account of the Disscensions " etc., which tradi- 
tion attributes to Dr. Henry White, a son-in-law of Mr. Con- 
stant. A half century was required to heal the breach. Both' 
churches were weak and afforded very inadequate support to 
their pastors. After i860 the Congregational Church be- 
came unable to support a minister. August 5, 1865, most of 
its members united on certificate with the Presbyterian 
Congregation. 

The first house of worship in the present village of 
Peekskill must have been erected prior to July 16, 1797, be- 
cause at that date Silas Constant preached, according to his 
diary, in the "new meeting-house." Its site was that of the 
First Church on South Street. The Presbyterians of this 
place were then connected with the Yorktown Church, to 
the support of which they contributed from 1787 to 18 13. 
The records show that "the church met in Peekskill" occa- 
sionally for the reception or discipline of communicants and 
the administration of the Lord's Supper. The last entry to 
that effect bearing the date of June 4, 18 14. The church 
in this instance was the Congregational Church. When the 
Yorktown Church ceased to be connected with the Dutchess 
County Presbytery, both it and the out station at Peekskill 
came under the influence of the Associated Westchester 
Presbytery. Supplies were appointed by that body as early 
as 1800. 



DIVISION AT PEEKSKILL. 



79 



• The division of 1806 was felt in both portions of the 
parish. The land upon which the church" stood had been 
donated by Nathaniel Brown, a Friend, " to the Presbyterians 
of the belief of Dr. Rodgers of New York." The decision 
of the civil court with respect to the Yorktown Church 
property virtually settled to whom that at Peekskill belonged 
— the Presbyterians, who undoubtedly were in the minority. 
The friends of Mr. Constant, as at Yorktown, were obliged 
to find new quarters. What was familiarly known as the 
"church on the hill " was erected. September 29, 18 13, in 
order to take title to this property, or as a preliminary step to 
the purchase of the land and erection of the house of worship, 
the Independent Presbyterian Congregation of Peekskill 
was incorporated. May, 18 16, a church of seventy-five 
members was organized, which by 18 19 had become one 
hundred. 

In the meantime, April, 18 15, the Presbyterian Congre- 
gation on South Street was received under the care of the 
Presbytery of Hudson, and supplies were appointed at three 
succeeding meetings. Soon after it must have become ex- 
tinct. After the death of Mr. Constant in 1825, the influ- 
ence of the Associated Westchester Presbytery began to 
wane. January 24, 1826, the Independent Presbyterian 
Congregation was received under the care of the Presbytery 
of New York. This action was rescinded at the next meet- 
ing, because of great opposition in the congregation. Those 
who favored a Presbyterian Church in the " church on the 
hill " with a few from the Yorktown Church, were organized 
into the Presbyterian Church of Peekskill on June 25, 1826, 
by Rev. Elihu Baldwin. June 28, it was received under the 
care of the Presbytery of New York. The South Street 
Church became their place of worship. 

At no time during its existence was the Associated 
Westchester Presbytery a large body. At its organization 
in 1792, there were only six members on its roll, all of whom, 
with delegates from two churches, North Salem and Mt. 
Pleasant, were present. Seven years later, September 25, 



SO THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



1798, we find eleven on the roll. April 10, 1821, there were 
thirteen — six present with delegates from five churches. 
The largest attendance was in October of that year, when 
eight ministers and nine delegates were enrolled. The pre- 
fix deacon often appears before the names of the delegates, 
never that of elder. 

In theology the Presbytery claimed to be " Edwardian." 
Of its ecclesiastical peculiarities we gain some idea from the 
Constitution and minutes. Ministers were to be admitted 
by a majority of two-thirds of those present, and might be 
excluded by a bare majority. The right to examine all appli- 
cants for membership was asserted. Ministers presented 
excuses for non-attendance and asked leave of absence 
when obliged to retire before adjournment. They were 
admonished for failure to present papers on assigned topics. 
One was called to account for assisting at an ordination " in 
* a very disorderly manner." The word appointed, so dis- 
tasteful to Jacob Green, was employed with respect to sup- 
plies. The conduct of members was a proper subject of 
investigation ; and they, if occasion required, might be dis- 
ciplined. Rev. Mr. Frey was censured for slandering a fel- 
low minister. Later his name was stricken from the roll 
and fellowship withdrawn. .We shall have occasion again to 
allude to this case in another connection. 

The churches were regarded to be in some sense under 
the " watch and care" of the Presbytery. There is one in- 
stance of regular dismission. It was regarded as disorderly 
for any church to join another ecclesiastical body without 
such dismission. All jurisdiction over them was disclaimed. 
Advice and assistance were offered to all that might seek it. 
The minutes contain the word "enjoin," so abhorrent to the 
authors of the movement, but once. The Presbytery, after 
investigation into troubles existing in the Sing Sing church 
during Rev. Geo. Bourne's ministry, concludes its advice 
with these words — "we do enjoin it as a solemn duty . . . 
that you now cease to converse about these difficulties in 
private or to say anything about the investigation, only that 
it has terminated in an entire settlement of the difficulties." 



THE WORK OF THE PRESBYTERY. 



8l 



It is evident that the Associated Westchester Presbytery 
was not a Presbytery according to our Form of Govern- 
ment. It possessed less authority over its members and 
none whatever over its churches. It differed from an Asso- 
ciation, in that churches were represented by delegates. 
To the ministry it was a Connecticut Association, while to 
the churches it was a Connecticut Consociation, shorn of 
judicial authority. 

The business usually transacted at its meetings, of which 
there were two stated each year, was the presentation by 
the ministers of a narrative of their labors with a report of 
the spiritual condition of the churches, to which they min- 
stered, the examination of candidates, the appointment of 
supplies for vacant churches, and of some of their own 
number to itinerate from three to six weeks at a time in the 
newly settled counties west of the Hudson. Sermons and 
papers on theological topics were presented by members. 
For a time beginning with September, 1819, the churches 
presented their records for examination. 

When a person " asked for advice" with view to enter- 
ing the ministry, a committee was appointed to superin- 
tend his studies. The branches prescribed were English 
grammar, Latin, Greek, logic, mathematics, natural philoso- 
phy, astronomy, systematic theology, and ecclesiastical his- 
tory. Texts and subjects were assigned for sermons and 
papers. This course of study required several years, dur- 
ing which the candidate was expected to be present at all 
the stated meetings for advice and examination. For non- 
attendance he was called to account. To some of the stu- 
dents aid was granted from funds of the society for the pro- 
motion of learning and religion in Morris County. When 
sufficient progress had been made, the candidate received 
permission to teach and exhort. He was ordained after the 
prescribed course had been completed. The supervision 
seems to have been careful. The names of twenty-seven 
candidates are found in the minutes. Of these nineteen 



11 



82 



THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



were in due time ordained — Jonas Hickok (Feb. 23, 1796), 
David Harrower (Sept. 29, 1796), Allan Blair (June 28, 1797), 
Jason Perkins (Oct. 2, 1800), James Barr (Oct. 2, 1800), 
Stephen Dodd (Sept. 28, 1803), Sylvanus Haight (June 18, 
1806), Abraham Purdy (Oct. 17, 18 10), Joel Osborn (Sept. 
26, 181 1), Abner Brundage (May 16, 1816), John R. St. 
John (May 16, 1816), James N. Austin (May 16, 18 16), Ezra 
H. Day (June 3, 18 1 8), John G. Lowe (Nov. 11, 18 19), 
Enoch Bouton (Oct. 5, 1820), Hosea Ball (Oct. 18, 1821), 
Edward McLaughlin (Oct. 18, 1821), Richard Waller Knight 
(June 29, 1825), and Daniel Jones (June 29, 1825). 

The benevolent work of the Presbytery was confined to 
home missions. The far west to them was the central and 
western portions of New York. Members of the Presbytery 
or candidates under its care were appointed at each stated 
meeting during the early part of its history to itinerate west 
of the Hudson, in the valleys of the Delaware and Susque- 
hanna. Churches were organized. The expenses of this 
work were defrayed from collections taken up on these tours 
and from the funds of the society for the promotion of learn- 
ing and religion, organized by the Morris County Presbytery. 
In 1804 initiatory steps were taken towards missionary work 
in Georgia. No missionary seems to have been sent out. 
In 1817 a plan was devised for the support of two mission- 
aries " in the destitute regions of our country," and appeal 
was made to the churches for money. A small amount was 
collected and a committee was appointed to carry on mis- 
sionary operations between Fishkill and New York. The 
record shows that this work was confined to the immediate 
field of the Presbytery. 

The narratives of the state of religion for the most part 
complain of indifference to the claims of religion. Some- 
times they speak of the existence of infidelity. Occasion- 
ally they mention revivals in particular churches or com- 
munities. 

May 11, 1803, Messrs. Amzi Lewis, Silas Constant, and 



CATECHISMS. 



83 



Medad Rogers were appointed a committee to draft " a 
formula of catechism adapted for the instruction of young 
children in the doctrines of religion." It was published 
with the concurrence of the Morris County Presbytery in 
1805 ; also a shorter one for beginners. The catechisms 
were distributed among the churches. No copy is now to 
be found. 



CHAPTER IX. 



The Associated Westchester Presbytery Continued. 

AT a stated meeting held in April, 1821, it was reported 
that one of their own number, Mr. Frey, pastor of the 
First Independent Church of New York, had stated that a 
majority of the members of the Presbytery were Sabellians. 
The matter was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. 
Constant, Day, and Phelps, who were to report at a meeting 
to be held at Somers on the fourth Tuesday of May next. 
The committee reported that they had ascertained that Mr. 
Frey had slandered a brother by charging him with Sabell- 
ianism, and that he had stated that his reasons for not bring- 
ing charges against him before the Presbytery was that the 
majority were of the same sentiments. Mr. Frey was pres- 
ent, but left during the discussion. He was censured " 1st 
For slandering this body. — 2nd, Defamation of an indi- 
vidual. — 3rd, Neglect of Gospel discipline. — 4th, Criminal 
and repeated equivocation." He was also censured for the 
" highly intemperate and disorderly manner " in which he 
left the Presbytery and refused submission to its discipline. 

At a subsequent meeting held at Yorktown, June 6, 
1 82 1, on the recommendation of a committee, it was decided 
to issue a circular letter, to be published under the supervi- 
sion of Mr. Constant, " by which the public mind may be 
relieved as to the Presbytery's soundness in the faith, par- 
ticularly in relation to the doctrine of the Trinity." At the 
next meeting, Oct. 16-18, 1821, two additional charges were 
made against Mr. Frey. The following minute was adopted : 

" Having fully investigated the subject in refferance both to the charges 
of May, 1821, and those now preferred; and having satisfied themselves that 
all regular and proper steps of Gospel discipline have been taken with him, 



NEW PRESBYTERIES. 85 

without the desired effect ; Presbytery consider him as an impenitent offender 
and unworthy of the Gospel ministry and their fellowship : Therefore, agreed 
unanimously that duty to the Great Head of the church and the interests of 
religion require them to withdraw from him, and they do hereby exclude him 
from this body and order his name to be discontinued." [Constitution and 
Records, p. 236.] 

It is worthy of note that there is on record no evidence, 
except the report of the committee, and none seems to have 
been taken, and the judgment was reached without even 
the form of a trial. October ioth, preceding, Mr. Frey 
and the First Independent Church were received into the 
Presbytery of New York. The Rose Street Church was 
received by the same Presbytery April 16th, following. 

The Presbytery had no organic connection with any 
other body. Its relation to the Morris County Presbytery 
was simply that of one holding similar doctrinal and eccle- 
siastical views. The original members of each were full 
members of the other, with the privilege of meeting with 
and taking part in the proceedings. The members of the 
Westchester Presbytery, who had been connected with the 
parent organization, were to remain members of the Society 
for the promotion of learning and religion. The records 
show that this arrangement was carried into effect. 

At a meeting held at Poughkeepsie, September 24, 1793, 
the initiative was taken towards the organization of new 
Presbyteries north and west of Albany. A committee con- 
sisting of Rev. Messrs. Robert Campbell and Daniel Marsh 
was appointed to attend the next meeting of the Associa- 
tion of Berkshire for consultation. At a special meeting, 
January 14, 1794, the committee reported that the Associa- 
tion of Berkshire recommended the organization of two 
Associations of Ministers holding " Edwardian principles 
respecting doctrine and discipline," one of those residing in 
the vicinity of Albany and the other of those in the vicinity 
of Whitestown, and "that the Berkshire Association be in 
connection with the two proposed Associations, and also 
with the Morris County and Westchester Presbyteries." It 
was also reported that a Presbytery had been formed in the 



86 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 

vicinity of Albany called the "Northern Associated Pres- 
bytery of the State of New York." This had been effected 
by John Camp, John Stevens, Beriah Hotchkin, Robert 
Campbell, David Porter, and Luther Gleson, ministers in the 
State of New York, at New Canaan, November 12, 1793. 
February 3, 1807, at Milton, there was organized the Saratoga 
Associated Presbytery. 

Between these affiliated bodies some sort of connection 
for the advancement of their common interests and work 
was felt to be a necessity. The Northern Associated Pres- 
bytery appointed a committee to meet similar committees 
from Morris County and Westchester Presbyteries in con- 
vention to be held at Poughkeepsie April 8, 1794, to devise 
some mode of correspondence. The convention met at the 
time and place appointed. John Stevens represented the 
Northern Presbytery, Amzi Lewis and Daniel Marsh the 
Westchester, and Benoni Bradner and Abel Jackson the 
Morris County. Ij: was agreed to recommend to the bodies 
which they represented the appointment of two or more of 
their members as correspondents. They were to meet as a 
" Convention of Correspondence" once each year "to ob- 
tain a general and extensive view of the state of religion, 
and the calls for ministerial labor within the circle of their 
acquaintance, and propose or recommend to the several 
Presbyteries such measures as from a general view of the 
state of things may appear to them adapted as proper means 
to promote the cause of the Redeemer." The following ac- 
tion was taken : 

" As the Presbyteries of Morris County and Westchester have proposed 
to publish some account of their sentiments and practice, agreed to report to 
the Presbyteries to which we respectively belong, as our opinion, that it is 
desirable that all those Presbyteries should write the said publication, and that 
the said Presbyteries meet together in a convention in this place on the first 
Tuesday of September next, in order to promote union and brotherly love, and 
deliberate and agree concerning the premises." [Constitution and Records, 
P- 2 3-l 

The recommendations were agreed to by the Presbyteries, 
and Messrs. Amzi Lewis and Daniel Marsh were chosen 
" correspondents." 



THE " CONVENTION OF CORRESPONDENCE/' 87 



This method of correspondence does not seem to have 
proved a success. Apparently but few meetings were held. 
The proceedings and recommendations of only two were re- 
ported to the Westchester Presbytery. Mention is often 
made of the appointment of correspondents. In 1802 the 
Northern Presbytery proposed the revival of the conven- 
tion. This was agreed to by the Westchester Presbytery, 
and correspondents were appointed. Apparently nothing 
came from this attempt. September, 1804, we have a re- 
newal of the same proposal. A convention was appointed 
for the following August at Poughkeepsie. After 1806, the 
records are ominously silent in regard to it, indicating that 
the plan had failed. 

The book, of which mention is made in the recommenda- 
tions for correspondence, was published. On account of 
the failure of the first convention to meet, its preparation 
and publication fell to the care of the Westchester Pres- 
bytery. May 12, 1795, this Presbytery agreed to take four 
hundred copies, provided the Morris County and Northern 
would take eight hundred copies. Messrs. Abner Benedict, 
Amzi Lewis, and Silas Constant were appointed a committee 
to superintend the printing. It was announced at a meet- 
ing held September of the same year that the other asso- 
ciated bodies declined the proposal. It was voted to print 
six hundred copies under Mr. Marsh's care. The book was 
issued near the end of 1796. It was a bound volume of one 
hundred and two pages, entitled " A brief account of the 
Associated Presbyteries, and a general view of their senti- 
ments concerning religion and ecclesiastical order." They 
claimed to hold the general system of doctrine, "which may 
be denominated Calvinistic, Edwardian, or Hopkinsian." 
They declined to call any man Father, or to adopt any of 
the existing confessions. Their own consisted of eighteen 
articles, mainly accordant with the Westminster. The views 
expressed on ecclesiastical polity were those of their con- 
stitutions. The question of revision and republication was 
brought up in 18 19, and 1824. It was deemed inexpedient. 



88 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



At the session of May, 1801, a proposition was presented 
from the Northern Presbytery for " a representation in the 
General Association of Connecticut." The reasons for the 
proposed change were not given. January 12, 1802, it was 
decided to be inexpedient. The convention (we presume, of 
correspondence held at Po'keepsie in 1805) proposed a gen- 
eral confederation between this Presbytery, the Northern 
and the three Western Associations of this State. The pur- 
pose was to increase the general usefulness of these bodies, 
especially in mission work. Co-operation and organization 
on a larger scale than yet attempted was thought necessary. 
Messrs. Cornwall and Constant were appointed to attend a 
convention in the interest of such a union, provided one 
should be called by the bodies mentioned. A convention 
was appointed to be held at Harpersfield. In view of it a 
committee, consisting of Messrs. Constant and Dodd, were 
appointed, Oct. 1, 1806, by this Presbytery to draft the 
principles of a confederation. The committee reported the 
following as instructions to their delegates : 

" 1. That the Presbyteries or Associations be left to regulate their own 
internal matters according to their wisdom without any general directory. 

" 2. That there be no accountability to the General Association as an 
authoritative judicature. 

" 3. That the General Association may recommend things to the several 
or particular Presbyteries — advice, counsel, etc. 

"4. That the subject of a general missionary society be considered and 
agreed on, if found consistent. 

" 5. That the subject of a magazine be taken into consideration. And 
considering the situation of those western parts of the country and the incon- 
venience attending the acquisition of those valuable publications in other parts, 
and the advantages arising from those periodical publications, not only as a 
means of disseminating useful knowledge, but, if properly regulated, as a val- 
uable means for obtaining pecuniary support for missionary interest, we think 
it desirable, therefore, that such a work should be set forward, leaving the sub- 
ject to the wisdom of the General Association, if such Association should take 
place. 

" 6. That the respective Presbyteries or Associations shall have a right to 
recommend subjects to the consideration of the General Association, and to 
apply to them at any stated meeting for counsel and advice." [Constitution 
and Records, pp. 126-7.] 

Nothing seems to have resulted from the movement, be- 
cause we find a complaint entered upon the minutes against 



THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT. 89 



the Northern Presbytery for failure to keep appointments, 
"especially that of Harpersfield." 

The action of the Presbytery, October 17, 1821, shows 
that the Morris County Presbytery had practically ceased to 
exist. It is stated in answer to the delegate from Middle- 
town, who inquired about the relation of the churches con- 
nected with that organization to this, that 

" Whereas the Presbytery of Morris County is so situated as to preclude the 
possibility of their meeting soon, . . . 

" Therefore this Presbytery agrees to aid such churches by acknowledging 
the relation and extending that care and affording such aid as the circumstances 
of the churches may require and Presbytery be able to give; and in order to 
this, Presbytery invites them to attend by delegation all the meetings of 
Presbytery; and agrees to meet in these churches, when convenient." [Con- 
stitution and Records, p. 237.] 

The Saratoga Presbytery had ceased to exist September, 
18 18. We hear nothing further of the Northern Presbytery. 
The question now presented itself to the Westchester Pres- 
bytery, to what ecclesiastical body were they to look for 
fellowship and co-operation. Very naturally they turned to 
their nearest of kin, the General Association of Connecticut. 
April 17, 1822, Mr. Constant called attention to "the pro- 
priety of incorporating themselves and the several churches 
under their care in connection with the General Association 
of Connecticut." After consideration it was voted 

"That such a connection and relation is in their opinion highly desirable 
and would be very advantageous to the promotion of the usefulness of this 
body and to the general interest of Zion." [Constitution and Records, p. 240.] 

The question was referred to the churches for decision. 
Messrs. Constant and McLaughlin were appointed to draft 
a memorial to be presented to the General Association of 
Connecticut. At this time there were in connection with the 
Presbytery thirteen ministers and apparently nine churches 
— Yorktown, Red Mills, Pound Ridge, Gilead, Middletown, 
Peekskill, Monroe, Greenburgh, and Mt. Pleasant. At the 
next session, held September 17, 1822, reports were received 
from both the churches and the committee, and it was voted 
in view of want of information a committee be appointed 
12 



gO THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 

to attend the next meeting of the Fairfield East Consocia- 
tion to secure it. An extra session was called for October 
28th at North Salem to hear the report of the committee. 
Two members of the Consociation were present. After 
discussion it was resolved 

" That the ministers of this Presbytery form themselves into an Association 
at a proper time and present their memorial for a union with the [General] 
Association at their next session at Bridgeport on the last Wednesday in 
May, 1823." [Constitution and Records, p. 254.] 

As no further mention of the subject is made in the 
records, we presume that nothing was accomplished. 

The connection of the North Stamford (Conn.) Church 
ceased soon after the death of Amzi Lewis in 1819. Of 
those which were regarded as under the watch and care of 
the Presbytery, were represented by delegates at the meet- 
ings, and applied for advice and supplies, one after another 
withdrew and connected themselves with other bodies. They 
were influenced in the change by a variety of motives. In 
some instances it was distance. In others stipulations in 
deeds may have had to do with it (New Marlborough). 
Some of the churches contained a strong Presbyterian ele- 
ment, while to others the terms Presbyterian and Congrega- 
tional were almost synonymous. The Associated Presbyte- 
ries represented no distinctive idea in theology or polity. 
They were Presbyterian only in name, in principle Congre- 
gational — less Presbyterian than the Congregational Conso- 
ciations of Connecticut and not essentially different from 
those of Massachusetts Associations. In the counties adja- 
cent to the Hudson River, Presbyterianism was making a 
rapid growth. 

The binding force in the Associated Westchester Pres- 
bytery was the personal influence of its leaders. John 
Townley had died March 1, 1812, and John Cornwall had fol- 
lowed nine days later. Amzi Lewis had passed away April 5, 
1 8 19. Silas Constant had entered into rest March 22, 1825. 
Most of the churches in. Connecticut had connected them- 
selves with organizations holding the same polity nearer at 



DISSOLUTION OF THE PRESBYTERY. 



91 



hand. The church at Cornwall, the offspring of a church 
quarrel, had returned to the Litchfield North Consociation, 
May 13, 1807. The following churches had united with the 
Presbytery of Hudson : New Marlborough and New Paltz, 
April 18, 1 8 10 ; Amenia, April 19, 181 5 ; Po'keepsie, April 
16, 1817; Ridgebury, April 17, 1816; Middletown, April 
20, 1824; Monroe, September 9, 1829; Pound Ridge was 
received under the care of the Presbytery of North River, 
September 17, 1822. Mt. Pleasant united with the Presby- 
tery of New York August 2, 181 1. Called to account for 
employing a deposed minister (probably George Bourne), it 
returned to the Associated Westchester October 5, 1820. 
It was reorganized and enrolled by the Presbytery of New 
York October 10, 1826. The First Independent and Rose 
Street Churches of New York City were received by the 
same body October 10, 182 1, and April 16, 1822, respec- 
tively. The ministers united with other bodies without 
formal dismission. 

At the meeting held May, 1827, a minute was adopted 
in which mention is made of the smallness of the Pres- 
bytery and the non-attendance of members, and an agree- 
ment was entered into to attend to their duties more faith- 
fully. A circular letter was also addressed to "those 
churches which have been in covenant with this Presbytery, 
and have not withdrawn their relation." These were Red 
Mills, Yorktown, Gilead, North Salem, Somers, and Peeks- 
kill. At this date there are only the names of six ministers 
on the roll— Allan Blair (Reel Mills), Samuel N. Phelps 
(Ridgefield, Conn.), Hosea Ball (Highlands, Orange County, 
N. Y.), Daniel Jones (Yorktown), Isaac Allerton, and 
Richard W Knight. 

The question of withdrawal in order to unite with other 
bodies agitated the churches of North Salem and Red 
Mills in 1828. The former deemed it for its interest to 
unite with the Presbytery of North River, while the latter 
contemplated a connection with the Second Presbytery of 
New York. The North Salem Church was advised to wait 
until the next session, and was promised supplies and a dis- 



9 2 



THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



missal. At Red Mills the majority favored a change and 
the minority asked advice. They were urged to avoid a 
division. At the next meeting held at Peekskill September, 
1828, the North Salem Church was dismissed to the Pres- 
bytery of North River, to which it had applied for reorgani- 
zation on September 23, 1824. The church at Red Mills 
was advised to prevent, if possible, division, and to apply to 
the Second Presbytery of New York to be received with 
permission to retain the Congregational form of govern- 
ment. It was received and reorganized. 

The last meeting of the Presbytery was held at Peeks- 
kill June 2, 1830. There were present Hosea Ball, Israel 
Hammond, Richard N. Dey, and Delegate St. John Con- 
stant of Peekskill. A resolution was passed dissolving the 
Presbytery. Mr. Ball was dismissed to the Presbytery of 
North River and Messrs. Hammond and Dey to the Re- 
formed Dutch Classis of New York. The church at Peeks- 
kill was advised to unite with the latter body. It became 
the Reformed Dutch Church. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

SILAS CONSTANT. 

Silas Constant was the son of Col. Joseph Constant, an 
officer of the French army, who, in March, 1749, married 
Susan Tirrell, an orphan, daughter of Elijah Tirrell, a rich 
merchant of Salem, Mass. Soon after his marriage Col. 
Constant sailed for France for the purpose of arranging his 
affairs there. The ship in which he took passage is sup- 
posed to have foundered at sea, as no tidings were ever 
heard of it. On the 15th January, 1750, at Waterbury, 
Conn., a fatherless boy was born, and named Silas. The 
young mother died shortly after of a broken heart, bequeath- 
ing the care of her son to a married sister, Mrs. Bebee. 

In 1770, Mr. Constant married his second cousin, Amy, 
daughter of John Lewis of Waterbury, Conn. Here and at 



BIOGRAPHICAL SHETCHES. 



93 



Salem, Conn., where he owned a farm, he appears to have 
resided until past his thirtieth year, when he gave himself 
to the ministry of the Gospel. It is conjectured that he 
pursued his theological studies under the direction of Rev. 
Jacob Green, of Hanover, N. J. May 29, 1783, he was 
ordained as an evangelist by the Presbytery of Morris 
County. Prior to his ordination, he seems to have labored 
at Chester, Orange County, N. Y., and had gathered a con- 
gregation there by March of that year. 

He also labored at Monroe in the same county, where on 
May 17, 1784, he and Amzi Lewis organized a church with 
seventeen members. November, 1785, he was engaged as 
stated supply for one year by the Yorktown Church. May 
10, 1786, he became "advisory member" of the Presbytery 
of Dutchess County. He was called to the pastorate of the 
church November 8, 1786, and soon after installed. May 8, 
1792, he united with the Associated Westchester Pres- 
bytery. His connection with the Presbytery of Dutchess 
county ceased May 8, 1794. After the civil courts had 
given possession of the church property to the Presbyterians, 
he ministered to the congregation that worshiped in the 
new meeting-house. Pie died March 22, 1825, aged 75 
years, 2 months, and 9 days. His remains were interred by 
the Congregational Church in which he preached. Mr. 
Constant's first wife died July 4, 1805. There were four 
children by this marriage, two sons and two daughters. He 
married a second time. 

" Silas Constant was a tall, well proportioned man, and 
of a commanding appearance. He had a limited education, 
but had gathered much information from reading books on 
various topics. He had much shrewdness, was a ready 
speaker, and preeminently the leader of the Presbytery to 
which he belonged. In his intercourse with his neighbors 
he was kind and obliging, and his daily walk and conversa- 
tion was without reproach." He preached without notes. 
As a pastor he was very efficient, his visits combining in 
happy medium the social and pastoral. His labors were 



94 



THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 



abundant. The records of the Associated Westchester 
Presbytery, in an obituary minute, state that "during the 
thirty-three years of which he was a member of this Pres- 
bytery he was not only present, but took part in its con- 
cerns, and was not for once absent at the opening of the 
Presbytery. 

AMZI LEWIS. 

Amzi Lewis was born at Waterbury, Conn., October 29, 
1746. He graduated at Yale College in 1768. He was 
ordained and installed pastor of the churches of Florida 
and Warwick, Orange County, N. Y., April 9, 1772. After 
service of five years he was released from the latter ; he 
continued with the former ten years longer. In 1787 he 
removed to North Salem, Westchester County, N. Y., and 
became principal of the academy and stated supply of the 
church. March 12, 1795, he was called to the North Stam- 
ford (Conn.) Church at a salary of "one hundred pounds 
lawful money . . . and fifteen cords of good wood 
yearly." He was probably installed a few months later. 
He remained with this church until his death, which took 
place April 5, 18 19. He was in the 73d year of his age 
and the twenty-fourth of his pastorate. 

The Presbytery bears testimony to him as one "whose 
person we loved, as a brother in the ministry whose charac- 
ter we revered as a Christian, as a counsellor and a pattern 
of fidelity, and whose memory we would perpetuate as the 
last among the number of those who first composed the 
Presbytery of which we are now members. But while we 
lament our loss, yet, wishing to be reconciled to the dis- 
pensation, and rejoicing in his gain, we would hear the voice, 
Be ye also ready." 



CHAPTER X. 



Churches under the care of the Presbyteries of Hudson, New 
York, and North River, 1 795-1829. 

BETWEEN 1795 and 1829, the dates respectively of the 
dissolution of the Presbytery of Dutchess County and 
of the erection of the Presbytery of Bedford, the jurisdiction 
of three Presbyteries connected with the General Assembly, 
Hudson, New York, and North River, extended into the 
field of the present Presbytery of Westchester. October 22, 
1795, the Synod of New York and New Jersey erected the 
Presbytery of Hudson. 

" Resolved, That all the ministers belonging to the Presbytery of New 
York within the following bounds, namely, the middle of the Southern moun- 
tains in Orange County, and the Southern bounds of the Presbytery of Albany, 
on the west side of the river Hudson, and all the ministers of the Dutchess 
Presbytery, together with all the churches within their bounds, be erected into 
a Presbytery by the name of the Presbytery of Hudson. 

" Whereupon, The Synod did dissolve the Presbytery of Dutchess, and 
erected the ministers and churches within the above bounds into a separate 
Presbytery under the name of the Presbytery of Hudson. And 

" Ordered, That said Presbytery meet the first time in Franklin, on the 
third Tuesday of November next, at two o'clock in the afternoon, and that Mr. 
Mead open the Presbytery and preside 'till a moderator be chosen, and in case 
of his absence, the senior minister present." 

The Presbytery met accordingly at Franklin, November 
17, 1795; and, in the absence of Solomon Mead, the sermon 
was preached by Nathan Ker from Ps. 46 : 5. Seven of our 
churches came under their care, Salem, Union, Bedford, 
Franklin, Pound Ridge, Yorktown, and Peekskill. Pound 
Ridge was represented at the session of April 20, 1796, 
when Mr. Lockwood, its representative, paid 2s. towards the 
presbyterial expenses. Soon after it became connected with 



9 6 



THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. 



the Associated Presbytery. In 1806 Yorktown was enrolled. 
April 22, 1809, Union, at their own request, was dismissed 
to the Fairfield East Consociation. The Peekskill congre- 
gation contributed, April, 18 12, to the fund for missionaries, 
and, April, 18 15, was taken under the care of Presbytery, 
and supplies appointed at three succeeding meetings. Sep- 
tember 6, 1 8 16, "the Presbyterian Union Society of Somers" 
requested supplies. They were appointed at three succeed., 
ing meetings. 

October 5, 1809, tne Presbytery of New York was 
reorganized and its boundaries defined as follows : 

" That so much of the Presbytery of New York as lies east of the Hud- 
son River and south of the towns of Bedford, Yorktown, and Peekskill in 
Westchester County, and so much of the Presbytery of Long Island as lies 
west of Hempstead Plains, including the Rev. Dr. John Rogers, Mr. George 
Faitoute, Mr. Nathan Woodhull, Mr. Peter Fish, Dr. Samuel Miller, Dr. 
Philip Milledoler, Mr. John McNiece, Dr. John B. Romeyn, and Mr. W'illiam 
P. Kuypers, be constituted a Presbytery by the name of " The Presbytery of 
New York.' " 

The effects of the Revolutionary War upon southern 
Westchester, the desolation and religions destitution, have 
been already alluded to. Thirty years made but little im- 
provement. In 181 2, according to Dr. Dwight, it was de- 
clared by the Missionary Society of New York to be 
"proper missionary ground," and a missionary was directed 
to devote his labors to this section alone. About the same 
time the Presbytery of New York called the attention of 
the General Assembly to it. Walter King was appointed 
to labor there, and through his instrumentality the old French 
Church at New Rochelle was revived and reorganized as the 
Presbyterian Church, March 30, 18 12, and received under 
the care of Presbytery April 21 following. He also labored 
at West Farms. 

In 1 8 14 Isaac Lewis was appointed by the General As- 
sembly to labor in the same section under the direction of 
the Presbytery of New York. From 18 14-18 18 he divided 
his time between West Farms and New Rochelle. A house 
of worship was completed at the former place in 181 5 and a 



THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. 



97 



church of four members organized Dec. 4, 18 16. By Mr. 
Lewis' advice a Presbyterian organization was completed by 
the election of officers Nov. 5, 18 18. He left these two 
churches a few weeks later to take charge of the Congrega- 
tional Society in Greenwich, Conn. Provision for a limited 
time was made by the General Assembly in 1820. Two 
years later the Presbytery of New York took the work in 
hand and appointed a committee to examine into the desti- 
tution within their bounds, embracing the west end of Long 
Island, southern Westchester, and the city and county of 
New York. They reported from fifty to seventy thousand 
souls unconnected with any Christian denomination. To 
supply with the means of grace these destitute regions 
" The Presbyterian Society " was established by the Presby- 
tery. By April, 1823, this Society had districted their ter- 
ritory and assigned it to the various churches, in many of 
which auxiliaries had been formed. It was proposed to oc- 
cupy two points in the county of Westchester, Rye and 
White Plains. 

During the Revolution the population of these places 
had been scattered and the churches burned. No stated 
religious services had been held. The Rye church was re- 
built in 1793, and June 5, 1795, " The Presbyterian Church 
of Rye" was incorporated. From the death of John Smith 
in February, 1 77 1, to the coming of Noah C. Saxton, in 
1828, there seems to have been neither pastor nor stated 
supply. The Presbytery of Dutchess County appointed oc- 
casional supplies. No service by ministers of our own 
denomination being held in the meeting-house, it was occu- 
pied by the Methodists from 18 12 to 1828. The right of 
the Presbyterian congregation to the property was estab- 
lished and it passed again into their possession. In 1821, 
Ebenezer Clark, a retired merchant of New York, removed 
to Rye. The church enlisted his sympathies at once, and in 
the plans of " The Presbyterian Society " without doubt he 
took a deep interest. Noah C. Saxton was secured as a 
stated supply in December, 1828. March 4, 1829, a church 
13 



9 8 



THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. 



was organized by a committee of the Presbytery of New- 
York, and enrolled April 21st. 

At White Plains occasional services were held in the 
Court House until 1820, when Rev. Thomas G. Smith, pas- 
tor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Tarrytown, was en- 
gaged to preach every second or third Sunday. A church 
was organized April 25, 1824, and received under the care 
of the Presbytery of New York, October 21st. Soon after 
a house of worship was erected on the site of the one de- 
stroyed in 1776. In 1788 a Congregational Church was 
gathered at Hall's Corners (now Elmsford) in the town of 
Greenburgh. Under the ministry of John Townley it came 
under the care of the Associated Westchester Presbytery 
under the name of the Greenburgh Church. June 18, 1825, 
it was re-organized as a Presbyterian Church and received 
under the care of the Presbytery of New York October 
nth, following. April n, 1825, a church was organized at 
" South Greenburgh " (now Dobbs Ferry). It was enrolled 
by the same Presbytery April 22d. The Peekskill and Mt. 
Pleasant Churches were enrolled, as has been stated, June 
2$ and October 10, 1826, respectively. 

The Presbytery of Hudson began existence in 1795 with 
eight ministers and sixteen churches. New organizations 
had been effected, where the needs of the people required 
it. Congregations formerly connected with the Associated 
Westchester Presbytery and other bodies cast in their lot 
with the new Presbytery. In 18 19 there were twenty-five 
ministers and forty-one churches on the rolls. Prior to this 
date, in 18 12, the question of dividing the Presbytery was 
broached. Application was made to the Synod in September, 
1 816, to set off eight ministers and all the churches east of 
the river as a separate body to be called the Presbytery of 
Hudson. It was withdrawn later. October 23, 18 19, it was 
voted 

" That application be made to the Synod, now in session, to divide the 
Presbytery of Hudson so that the Rev. Messrs. John Clark, Joshua Spaulding, 
Ebenezer Grant, Thomas Picton, John Johnston, Eli Hyde, Eliphalet Price, 
Joel Osborn, James I. Ostrom, Daniel Crane, Robert G. Armstrong, including 



THE PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON. 



99 



the congregations of New Windsor, Newburgh, Marlborough, New Paltz, 
Pleasant Valley (west), Pittsburgh, Wappings Creek, Fishkill, Patterson, 
Salem, Yorktown, Pine Plains, Amenia, North, Amenia, South, Smithfield, 
Pleasant Valley, Bedford and Po'keepsie, be constituted a new Presbytery to 
be known by the name of the Presbytery of North River, and that their first 
meeting be held at Patterson, on the first Wednesday in November, at three 
o'clock P. M., and the Rev. Mr. Spaulding, or, in case of his absence, the senior 
minister present, preach and preside till a Moderator be chosen." 

This application was granted and the new Presbytery 
was erected accordingly. 

The Pound Ridge Church, which had been connected 
with the Associated Westchester Presbytery, made applica- 
tion, May 7, 1822, to be recognized as a Presbyterian congre- 
gation and taken under the care of Presbytery. They re- 
quested reorganization and a committee was appointed for 
the purpose. September 17th, on the recommendation of 
the committee, the church was enrolled. September 23, 
1824, a request for reorganization was presented by the 
North Salem Church, and a committee appointed. The re- 
quest was repeated April, 1827, and a second committee ap- 
pointed which reported progress every six months until 
September, 1829. The South East Church was received 
upon a certificate of dismission from the Fairfield East 
Consociation, April 26, 1825. Rev. Marcus Harrison, 
pastor of the church, was enrolled September 21st, follow- 
ing. 



THE LIST OF CHURCHES. 



PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON. 



Name. 



Enrolled. 



Pastors and Stated Supplies. 



Term of Service. 
May 20, 1752- 



1. Salem, 

Lower Salem, 
South Salem, 



Nov. 17, 1795, Solomon Mead, P., 



Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Robert Chapman. S. S., 




Sept. 4, 1800 
1800-1802 



Osborn, S. S., 
John Ely, P., 



Charles F. Butler, S. S., 
Jacob Burbank, S. S., 



JUU1 UctlliS., O. O., 

Charles F. Butler, S. S., 



* Supplies appointed. 



100 



THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. 



Name. 
2. Union, 
South East, 



3. Bedford, 



4. Franklin, 
Patterson, 



5. Pound Ridge, 

6. Yorktown, 



7. Peekskill, Apr. 



Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 

Nov. 17, 1795, J enu Minor, P., 

Bradford Marcy, P., 
Joel Osborn, S. S., 

t P., 

Joshua Spaulding, S. S., 
Nov. 17, 1795, Samuel Blatchford, S. S., 

Josiah Henderson, P., 

Ebenezer Grant, P., 

Nov. 17, 1795, Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Benjamin Judd, S. S., 
John Clark, S. S., 
Jason Perkins, S. S., 
John McNiece, S. S., 
Herman Dagget, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Abner Brundage, S. S., 

Nov. 17, 1795, Samuel Blatchford, S. S., 

Sept. 3, 1806, Andrew Thompson, P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Robert G. Armstrong, S. S. 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
1815, " " * 



Term of Service, 
j Feb. 1, 1792- 
( July 5, 1808 
June 7, '09-Oct, '10 
1811-1813 
{ Dec. 22, 1813- 
( Aug. 3, 1814 
1816-1822 
1795-1796 
Nov. 15, 1798- 
Nov. 15, 1803 
Sept. 20, 1804- 
Sept. 6, 1821 

i795- x 799 
Sept., 1799-1800 
May, 1 800- 1 80 1 
1802-1803 
1 804-1 808 
May, 1808-1814 
1814-Sept., 1819 
1819 
i795~ I 796 
June 7, 1808- 
Apr. 20, 1814 
1814-Oct, 1818 
1818-1819 
1819 
1815-1816 



PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. 

1. Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 2, 181 1, Thomas Jackson, P., Aug.2,'n-Jan.i2,'i7 

\ Jan. 16, 1816- 



Sing Sing, William Gray, A. P., 



( May 17, 1816 



Asa Lyman, S. S., 1819 

George Bourne, S. S., 1819-1822 

2. NewRochelle, Apr. 21, 1S12, Isaac Lewis, S. S., 1814-1818 

Elijah D. Wells, S. S., 1823-1825 

Joseph D. Wickham, S. S., 1825-1828 

George Stebbins, S. S , 1829-1835 

3. West Farms, Isaac Lewis, S. S., 1814-Nov., 1818 

Freeman Osborne, S. S, | ^y^ltio 
Joseph B. Felt, S. S., j 

Samuel Nott, S. S., Nov., 1821-May, '22 

Thomas S. Wickes, S. S., July, '22-Dec. 21, '24 
Joseph D. Wickham, S.S.June i,'25-Junei,'28 



* Supplies appointed. 



THE PRESBYTERY OF NORTH RIVER. 



IOI 



Name. . Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 

4. White Plains, Oct. 21, 1824, Thomas G. Smith, S. S., 

Marcus Harrison, H. M., 
Ely, H. M., 
• Samuel Robertson, S. S., 
Chester Long, S. S., 

5. S.Greenburgh, Apr. 22, 1825, Ely, H. M., 

Samuel Robertson, S. S., 
Chester Long, S. S., 

6. Greenburgh, Oct. 11, 1825, 

7. Peekskill, June 28, 1826, John H. Leggett, P., 

8. Mt. Pleasant, Oct. 10, 1826, Jonathan Dickerson, S. S 

9. Rye, Apr. 21, 1829, Noah C. Saxton, S. S., 

Wms. H.Whittemore, S.S, 



Term of Service. 

1820-1822 
1823 
1823 

Nov., 1823-Oct., '25 
Oct., i825-Oct.,i833 
1823 

Apr. ,1825-Oct, 1825 
Oct.,i825-Apr.,i828 

f Dec. 14, 1826- 
} Nov. 30, 1829 
1826-1829 
Dec.,i828-May,i829 
,May,i829~Apr.,i832 



PRESBYTERY OF NORTH RIVER. 



1. Patterson, 



N( 



19, Abner Brundage, S. S., 1819 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 1820-1822 
Edward McLaughlin, S. S.,Apr.,'22-Sept.i9,'22 



Michael Quinn, S. S. 

" P., 



Sept. 23, 1824- 
Aug. 3, 1825 



2. Yorktown, Nov. 3, 1819, Asahel Bronson, S. S., 

P., 

Richard Wynkoop, P., 

3. Bedford, Nov. 3, 18 19, Ebenezer Grant, P., 

Jacob Green, P., 

4. Salem, Nov. 3, 1819, Charles F. Butler, S. S. 
Lower Salem, Charles F. Butler, P., 

South Salem, Stephen Saunders, P., 

5. Poundridge, Sept. 17, 1822, John Hendricks, S. S., 

Asahel Bronson, S. S., 
Daniel Crocker, S. S., 
Hawley, S. S., 
Henry Dean, S. S., 

6. North Salem, Sept. 23, 1824, 

7. South East, Apr. 26, 1825, Marcus Harrison, P., 



Epenetus P. Benedict, S.S.,Apr.,'26-Sept.30,'29 
• j Sept. 30, 1829- 

r '* { Apr. 19, 1865 
Sept.,i82i-Apr., '22 
Apr. 17, 1822- 
Apr. 18, 1827 
June 14, 1827- 
Apr. 16, 1834 
Sept. 20, 1804- 
Sept. 6, 1821 
Apr. 16, 1822- 
Jan. 25, 1848 
1817-June 11, 1820 
June 11, 1820- 
Sept. 18, 1822 
May 1, 1823- 
Apr. 16, 1834 
1822 

Sept., 1823-1824 
Apr., 1825-Apiv, '28 
Apr.,i828-Sept., '28 
Apr., 1829-Apr., '30 



* Supplies appointed. 



Oct. 21, 1824- 
Apr. 26, 1826 

Abraham O. Stansbury, P., { S ^*^ 

Robert B. E. McLeod,S.S.,Apr.,i829-Dec.8,'30 



CHAPTER XL 



The Presbytery of Bedford. 

THE churches in the counties contiguous to the Hudson 
were increasing in number. Within our bounds the 
churches of White Plains and Rye and the old French 
Church at New Rochelle.had been revived and reorganized. 
New congregations had been gathered at West Farms and 
South Greenburg. The Congregational Church of Green- 
burg had become Presbyterian. There seemed to be a 
necessity for a new Presbytery. Accordingly at a meeting of 
the Synod of New York, held in the city of New York, 
Oct. 22, 1829, the following action was taken : 

" Resolved that the Synod erect a new Presbytery by the name of 
Bedford, including all the ministers and congregations belonging to this Synod 
in the counties of Westchester and Putnam, excepting Cold Spring and South 
Salem, viz., the Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green, Stephen Saunders, Richard Wyn- 
koop, Epenetus P. Benedict, Charles F. Butler, Thomas Picton ; and the con- 
gregations of Bedford, Yorktown, Patterson, South East, Pound Ridge, and 
North Salem, of the Presbytery of North River, and also the congregation of 
South Salem, of the same Presbytery, whenever they shall apply to be received 
under the care of the Presbytery of Bedford ; — The Rev. Messrs. Chester 
Long, David Remington, George Stebbins, John H. Legget; and the congre- 
gations of Mt. Pleasant, White Plains, Upper Greenburg, Lower Greenburg, 
New Rochelle, West Farms, Peekskill, and Rye, of the Presbytery of New 
York; — The Rev. Robert B. E. McLeod and the congregation of Red Mills, 
of the second Presbytery of New York ; — and the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson 
of the Presbytery of Hudson. 

" Resolved that the Presbytery hold their first meeting on the first Tuesday 
of November next at 3 o'clock p. M. at Bedford, — that the Rev. Jacob Green 
preach the sermon at the opening of the meeting, and preside until a Modera- 
tor be chosen, or, in case of his absence, the senior minister present to take 
his place. 

" Resolved that two of the candidates, viz. Cyrus B. Bristol, and Richard 
Sterling under the care of the North River Presbytery be assigned to the care 
of the Presbytery of Bedford." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, vol. 
I> PP- 3-5-1 



ROLL OF MINISTERS. IO3 

The jurisdiction of the new Presbytery, therefore, ex- 
tended over all the Presbyterian churches within certain 
geographical boundaries, which include all that portion of 
the original field of the Westchester Presbytery situated in 
the State of New York. It was formed from churches 'and 
ministers from four Presbyteries, North River, New York, 
New York Second, and Hudson. 

ROLL OF MINISTERS. 

Name. Church. Enrolled. 

1. Jacob Green, P., Bedford, Nov. 3, 1829, *Oct. 25, 1851 

Ch., Sing Sing Prison. 

2. Stephen Saunders, P., South Salem, " " tApr. 16, 1834 

3. Richard Wynkoop, P., Yorktown, " " f " " 

4. Chester Long, S. S., White Plains, " " tOct. 20, 1836 

5. David Remington, S. S., South Greenburgh, 45 " *July 24, 1834 

S. S., Rye. 

6. George Stebbins, S. S., New Rochelle, " " f Apr. 20, 1836 

7. R.B.E.McLeod,S.S.& P., South East, " " *Aug. 23, 1856 

8. Epenetus P. Benedict,P., Patterson, " " *Aug. 15, 1870 

9. Charles F. Butler, S. S., Pound Ridge, " " f Apr. 18, 1838 

10. Thomas Picton, " " 

11. John H. Leggett, P., Peekskill, " " INov. 30, 1829 

12. Jonathan Dickerson,Ch., Sing Sing Prison, " " fSept. 4, 1839 

13. Griffith H. Griffith, S. S„ { ^X^TV?''^- "> l8 3°. * 183* 

14. Nathaniel Prime, S. S., Sing Sing, Oct. 21, 1830, tOct. 4, 1836 

15. Cyrus B. Bristol, Ev., (Virginia), Oct. 6, 1830, tFeb. 15, 1832 

16. James V.Henry,S.S.&P., Sing Sing, Apr. 15, 1834, tjan. 13, 1846 

17. Rob't G.Thompson, S.S., Pound Ridge, Oct. 7, 1834, tFeb. 3,1846 

P., Yorktown. 

18. Reuben Frame, P., South Salem, " " tOct. 30, 1850 

19. Samuel R. Ely, P., Red Mills, Dec. 4, 1834, tApr. 19, 1837 

20. William Patterson, P., Pound Ridge, Feb. 10, 1836. 

21. John Mason, P., New Rochelle, Apr. 19, 1836^ June 25, 1838 

22. Jas. R. Davenport, P., Rye, Oct. 13, 1836, tOct. 17, 1838 

23. Edward Wright, P., White Plains, " " tSept. 4, 1844 

24. Alex'der Leadbetter, P., North Salem, Jan. 13, 1837, tOct. 20, 1841 

S. S., Somers, 

25. Joseph Nimmo, P., Red Mills, June 28, i837,tApr. 18, 1849 

S. S., North Salem. 
S. S., Croton Falls. 

26. Robert W. Orr, F. M., Nov. 22, 1837, tApr. 19, 1842 

27. Joseph I. Foot, Apr. 17, i838,tSept. 4, 1839 

28. Edward D. Bryan, P., Rye, Oct. 9, 1838, §Dec. 3, i860 



*Died. t Dismissed. § Transferred to Presbytery of Connecticut. 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



Name. Church. 

29. George T. Todd, P., Gilead, 

30. George Walker, S. S., Greenburgh, 

S. S., South Greenburgh. 

31. Joseph Owen, F. M., (India), 

32. Joshua Butts, P., Red Mills, 

33. Samuel Kellogg,S.S.&P., South Greenburgh, 

34. David Teese, P., Sing Sing, 

S. S., White Plains. 

35. Samuel Pettigrew, P., Red Mills, 

36. Elias S. Schenck, S. S., Greenburgh, 

S. S., White Plains. 

37. Henry G. Livingston, P., Gilead, ^ 

38. Jas. B. Hyndshaw, P., Red Mills, 

39. Matthew T. Adam, P., Yorktown, 

40. David Inglis, P., Bedford, 

41. John P. Lundy, P., Sing Sing, 

42. Joseph Forsyth, S. S., White Plains, 

43. Rutgers Van Brunt, P., Gilead, 

44. Giles Manwaring, Tea., (Carmel, N. Y.), 

45. David Irving, S. S., Croton Falls, 

S. S., North Salem. 

46. James B. Ramsey, 

47. James G. Moore, 

48. Aaron L. Lindsley, P., South Salem, 

49. David C. Lyon, P., Bedford, 

50. Thos. Scott Bradner, P., Croton Falls, 

51. Andrew Shiland, P., Mt. Kisco, 

52. Jesse L. Howell, P., South Greenburgh, 

53. Sam'l D. Westervelt, P., Yorktown, 

54. Benjamin Van Keuren, 

55. Winthrop Bailey, P., South East Center, 

56. Henry Benedict, P., Port Chester, 

57. Joseph C. Foster, P., Red Mills, 

58. Sam'l W. Crittenden, P., Gilead, 

59. John White, S. S. & P., North Salem, 

60. Peter B. Heroy, P., Bedford, 

61. Henry W. Smuller, P., Gilead, 

S. S., Croton Falls. 

62. Wm. B. Stewart, Tea., 

■63. Augustus H.Seeley,S.S., North Salem, 
S. S., Croton Falls, 

64. Geo. F. Goodhue, P. E., South East, 

65. R. H. Richardson, P., Red Mills, 

66. William Meikle, P., South Greenburgh, 



Enrolled. 
Oct. 11, 1838, tFeb. ii, 1845 
Oct. 15, iS39,||Oct. 6, 1841 

Oct. 2, 1839, ^[Apr. 20, 1842 
June 8, 1841, tApr. 21, 1846 
Oct. 6, 1841, tOct. 3, 1854 
May 4, 1842. 

Nov. 17, 1842,1 Apr. 16, 1845 
Apr. 16, 1845, t Apr. 22 > I ^57 

Aug. 20, i845,tOct. 17, 1849 
" " tApr. 18, 1854 

Nov. 10, 1847,1 June 7> 1853 
Oct. 17, 1848, tjune 22, 1852 
Feb. 13, i849,tApr. 16, 1850 
Oct. 2, 1850, tApr. 21, 1858 
Oct. 30, 1850,1 Apr. 20, 1852 
Oct. 7, 1851, * 1852 
" tOct. 3, 1855 

Apr. 21, i852,tMar. 15, 1854 
Oct. 19, 1852, tjune 14, 1854 
Nov. 10, 1S52. 

" tOct. 6, 1857 
Apr. 19, 1853. 

M « 

June 7, 1853, tMay 15, i860 
Oct. 4, 1853. 

Oct. 19, 1853, f Oct. 2, 1855 
June 14, i854,§Dec. 3, i860 
Oct. 3, 1854, § " " 
Jan. 2, 1855, *July 23, i860 
Apr. 29, 1856,-FOct. 7, 1857 
Nov. 5, 1856, tOct. I, 1861 
Oct. 20, 1857. 
Apr. 21, 1858. 

May 26, 1858, tOct. 2, 1861 
Apr. 20, 1859. 

Oct. 4, 1859, §Dec. 3, i860 
Apr. 17, 1760. 
Oct. 31, 1S60. 



*Died. tDismissed. tName dropped. §Transferred to Presbytery of 
Connecticut. || Deposed. ^Transferred to Presbytery at Allahabad. 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 105 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 



Name. 
I. Bedford, 



2. Yorktown, 



3. Patterson, 

4. South East, 



5. Pound Ridge, 



Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 

Nov. 3, 1829, Jacob Green, P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
David Inglis, S. S., 

P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
David C. Lyon, S. S., 

« P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Peter B. Heroy, P., 

" " Richard Wynkoop, P., 

Robert G. Thompson, P., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Matthew T. Adam, S. S., 
P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Samuel D. Westervelt, P. 

" " Epenetus P. Benedict, P., 

" Robert B.E. McLeod, S.S 
P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Matthew T. Adam, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 

George F. Goodhue, P.E. 

" ' Henry Dean, S. S., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Charles F. Butler, S. S., 
John White, S. S., 
Robert G Thompson,S.S. 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
William Patterson, S. S., 
P., 



Term of Service. 
( Apr. 16, 1822- 
] Jan. 25, 1848 
Jan.-Apr., 1848 
Apr.-Oct. 26, 1848 
j Oct. 26, 184S- 
| June 22, 1852 
July-Sept., 1852 
Sept. -Dec. 1, 1852 



Dec. 1, 1852- 
May 17, 1857 
May-Sept., 1857 
Oct. 30, 1857- 
Oct. 16, 1878 
June 14, 1827- 
Apr. 16, 1834 
May 18, 1S36- 
Feb. 3, 1846 
Mar.-Oct.-Dec, '46 
Jan. and Mar., 1847 
1847 

Nov. 10, 1847- 
Apr. 20, 1852 
May-Sept., 1852 
Oct. 26, 1853- 
Oct. 4, 1865 
Sept. 30, 1829- 
Apr. 19, 1865 
29-Dec. 8, '30 
Dec. 8, 1830- 
Aug. 23, 1856 
May, 1848 
Sept., i856-Apr.,'59 
Apr., 1859 
May 21, 1859- 
Nov. 8, 1865 
Apr., 1829-Apr., '30 
Apr., '30-Sept., '33 

. 1831 
1832 

Oct., 1833-1835 
July and Sept., 1835 
July, '35-Feb. 10, 36 
Feb.io,'36-Feb.6,'89 



, Apr. 



*Supplies appointed. 
14 



io6 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



7. Mt. Pleasant, 
Sins Sins, 



8. White Plains, 



Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 

6. North Salem, Nov. 3, 1829 Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Amos W. Seeley, S. S., 

Alexander Leadbetter, P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 



David Irving, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
John White, S. S., 

" P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Augustus H. Seeley, 
Nathaniel S. Prime, S. S , 
James V. Henry, S. S., 

P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
David Teese, P., 
Edmund C. Bittinger,S.S., 
John P. Lundy, P., 
Chester Long, S. S., 
Edward Wright, S. S., 

Elias S. Schenck, S. S., 
Broman B. Beardsley,S.S 
Joseph Forsyth, S. S., 
David Teese, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Hosea Ball, S. S., 
George Walker, S. S., 
Elias S. Schenck, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Mark Mead, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Hosea Ball, S. S., ' 
George Walker, ^S. S., 
Samuel Kellogg, S. S., 

P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
L. P. Ledonx, S. S., 
Jesse L. Howell, S. S., 

P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
William Meikle, S. S., 



9. Greenburgh, 
U. 



10. L. 

S. 



Term of Sen-ice. 
Nov., iS29-Mar., '34 
Apr., 1S35. 
\ Jan. 13, 1S37- 
\ Apr. 22, 1840 
Apr., '40-Aug., '43 
May, '48-Mar., '49 
1850-Oct, 1855 
Oct., '55-Jan., 1856 
Apr., '56-Nov. 5, '56 
Nov. 5, 1856- 
Apr. 22, 1S57 
May-Sept., 1857 
1857-1863 
1S29-1832 
Nov.,'32-June 16/35 
Tune 16. 1835- 
Oct. 6, 1841 
Oct., '41-Jan., 1S42 
May 4, '42- July 6/47 
1848 

Feb. i3,'49-Mar.,'5i 
Oct., 1825-1833 
1835-Oct. 13, 1836 
Oct.i3,36-Sep.4,'44 
June, 1844-Apr., '49 
,Apr., 1849-July, '50 
July, 1850-July, '53 
Julvi7,'53-July7,-64 

1832-1833 
1834-1838 
1838-1S41 

June 1, '43-Apr., '48 

Aug., 1832-Oct., '32 
1832-1833 

July, iS33-Aug., '33 
Oct., 1834-1838 
1 838-1 84 1 

Oct., '4i-Apr.'29,'45 

( Apr. 29, 1845- 
( Apr. 16, 1851 
Apr., i85i-Sept.,'5i 
1851 

Oct., '52-June 7, '53 
j June 7, 1853- 
[ Apr. 18, i860 
Apr., 1860-Aug., '60 
Aug., '60-Nov. 1, '60 
Nov. 1, 1S60- 
Apr. 17, 1867 



*Supplies appointed. 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 107 

Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 

11. N'wRochelle, Nov. 3, 1829, George Stebbins, S. S., 1829-1835 

John Mason, S. S., 1835-June 8, 1836 

p f June 8, 1836- 

\ Oct. 19, 1837 
Gorham D. Abbott, S. S., 1837-1841 

12. West Farms, " " Supplied by Presbytery,* Apr., 1830-July, '33 

13. Peekskill, " " John H. Leggett, P., \ D J; C - IA '**£z 
J ' J tofc> ' ' { Nov. 30, 1829 

Supplied by Presbytery,* Dec, 1829-Feb., '31 

14. Rye, " Wins. H.Whittemore,S.S., May, 1829-Apr., '32 

David Remington, S. S., Apr., '32- Jan. 24/34 
Thomas Payne, S. S., 1834-1836 
John H. Hunter, S. S., 1836 

t -d t\ i. r, \ Oct. 13, 1S36- 

James R. Davenport, P., j Apr> ^ ^ 

Edward D. Bryan, P., Oct. 9, '38-Jan. 1, '61 

15. Red Mills, " " Supplied by Presbytery,* June-July, 1831. 

u „ \ May, July, Sept., 

( Nov., Dec, 1832 
Jonathan Huntington, S.S., -Apr. 11, 1833 
Supplied by Presbytery,* July, Aug., 1833 
: Samuel R. Ely, S. S., 1833-Dec. 4, 1S34 

" P., Dec 4/34-Oct. 4/36 

Joseph Nimmo, S. S., Dec.,'36-June 28/37 

June 28, 1S37- 
June 30, 1840 
Supplied by Presbytery,* July-Sept., 1840 

T 1 T> LL T> I J Une 8, I84I- 

Joshua Butts, P., j Feb. 8, 1842 

Supplied by Presbytery,* Mar.-Apr., 1842 

c , t> ... -d { Nov. 17, 1S42- 

Samuel Pettigrew, P., -j Apr> ^ l844 

Supplied by Presbytery,* May-Sept., 1844 
James B. Hyftdshaw, S. S., 1844-Oct. 8, 1845 
P., Oct. 8, '45-Oct. 2/50 
John H. Hunter, S. S., Nov., '50-Mar. 9/51 
Giles Manwarring, S. S., Jan .-Apr. 12, 1852 
Alfred P. Botsford, S. S., May 1, '52-Dec, '53 
Joseph C. Foster, S. S., 1854 
" " P., Jan. 2,'55-Apr. 20/59 

Supplied by Presbytery,* Apr.-Aug., 1859 
Rich'd H. Richards'n, S.S.Jan., '60-Oct. 29, '61 
„ p J Oct. 29, 1861- 

[6. South Salem, Apr. 19, 1831, Stephen Saunders, P., 

Reuben Frame, P., 
Aaron L. Lindsley, P., 



P., 



Oct. 7, 1863 
j May 1, 1823- 
) Apr. 16, 1834 
Oct. 9, 1834- 
Oct. 30, 1850 
\ Nov. 10, 1852- 
) Oct. 20, 1868 



*Supplies appointed. 



io8 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



I/- 



Name. 
Somers, Oct. 
Croton Falls, 



18. Gilead, 



Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 
[833, Henry Benedict, S. S., 

Alex'der Leadbetter, S. S. 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Joseph Nimmo, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
David Irving, S. S., 
James B. Ramsey, S. S., 
James G. Moore, S. S., 

Thos. Scott Bradner, P., 



Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Hedges, S. S., 
Albert Chamberlain, S. S., 
Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Alexander B. Bullion, S.S. 
James Sinclair, S. S., 
June 16, 1835, Supplied by Presbytery,* 
George T. Todd, S. S., 

" P., 

Supplied by Presbytery,* 
Henry G. Livingston, P., 

Rutgers Van Brunt, P., 
Henry G. Livingston, S.S., 
Samuel W. Crittenden, P. 



Henry W. Smuller, P., 

19. Mt. Kisco, June 15, 1852, Andrew Shiland, S. S., 

P., 

20. Portchester, Aug. 9, 1852, Henry Benedict, P., 

21. S. E. Center, June 14, 1853, Supplied by Presbytery,* 

Winthrop Bailey, P., 



Term of Service. 

1833-1836 
1835-1838 
May-Aug., 1840 
Oct., 1840-1848 
May, 1848-Mar., '49 
Sept., '49-July, '51 
July, 1851-Aug., '52 
Aug., 1852-Apr., '53 
May 11, 1853- 
Apr. 22, 1857 
May-July, 1857 
1858 

Apr., 1859-Apr., '61 
Apr.-Sept, 1861 
1S61-1862 
Oct., '62-Dec. 27/63 
July-Sept., 1835 
1837-Oct. 11, 1838 
Oct. 11, 1838- 
Apr. 17, 1844 
May-Sept., 1844 
Aug. 20, 1845- 
Oct. 17, 1849 
Oct. 30, 1850- 
Feb. 24, 1852 
1852-1856 
Apr. 29, 1S56- 
Oct. 7, 1857 
May 5, 1858- 
Apr. 22, 1863 
1853-June 14, 1854 
June 14, 1854- 
Apr. 24, 1870 
Oct. 19, 1S54- 
Apr. 22, 1863 
June-Oct., 1853 
June 28, 1854- 
Oct. 16, 1861 



LICENSED. 



Name. 

1. Cyrus B. Bristol, 

2. Samuel I. Prime, 

3. Joseph Owen, 

4. Samuel S. Hawley 

5. Joseph C. Foster, 

6. Henry F. Lee, 

7. Oliver S. Dean, 

8. William H. Dean, 
Q. Roswell D. Smith, 



Date. 
April 22, 1830. 
October 2, 1833. 
September 4, 1839. 
October 7, 1840. 
April 21. 1852. 
May 25, 1S58. 
April 16, 1862. 

tt u 

October 8, 1862. 



*Supplies appointed. 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



IO9 



ORDAINED. 



Name. 



Date. 



1. Cyrus B. Bristol, 

2. Samuel Rose Ely, 

3. William Patterson, 

4. Edward Wright, 

5. Joseph Owen, 

6. George T. Todd, 

7. Joshua Butts, 

8. David Teese, 

9. Samuel Pettigrew, 

10. John P. Lundy, 

1 1. Jesse L. Howell, 

12. Joseph C. Foster, 

13. Samuel W. Crittenden, 

14. John White, 



October 6, 1830. 
December 4, 1834. 
February 10, 1836. 
October 13, 1836. 
October 2, 1839. 
October 11, 1838. 
June 8, 1841. 
May 4, 1842. 
November 17, 1842. 
February 13, 1849. 
June 7, 1853. 
January 2, 1855. 
April 29, 1856. 
November 5, 1856. 



The Presbytery of Bedford had upon its rolls at its 
organization twelve ministers and fifteen churches. Only 
five of the latter had pastors — Bedford, South Salem, 
Yorktown, Patterson, and Peekskill. During the thirty- 
three years that it existed, there were added to the roll of 
ministers fifty-four names — fourteen by ordination, the re- 
maining forty being received from other ecclesiastical bodies: 
Of the sixty-six ministers connected with the Presbytery six 
died — Griffith H. Griffith, David Remington, Jacob Green, 
Giles Manwaring, Robert B. E. McLeod, and Joseph C. 
Foster — forty were dismissed, four were transferred to the 
Presbytery of Connecticut, one was deposed for contumacy 
in refusing to appear to answer to the charge of drunken- 
ness, and the names of two were dropped. 

Of the fifteen churches transferred to the new Presbytery 
at its erection, one, North Salem, was without a Presbyte- 
rian organization. A petition was presented April 18, 1832, 
by members of the Congregational Church to be reorgan- 
ized as a Presbyterian Church. A committee was appointed 
for the purpose. They met at North Salem, May 2d, organ- 
ized a church, and ordained two elders. From this action of 
Presbytery Richard Wynkoop dissented. South Salem was 
received from the Presbytery of North River April 19, 1831. 
Two years later, April 16, 1833, a petition was received from 



no 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



the Congregational Church in Somers, requesting that it be 
reorganized as a Presbyterian Church. Notwithstanding 
Mr. Wynkoop's protest, this was done May 2d, and the 
church was enrolled October 1st. 

Religious services were held at Port Chester (then Saw 
Pit) in connection with the Rye Church early in the century. 
In 1830 a church building was erected. April 17, 1850, a 
petition was presented to the Presbytery by " members of 
the Presbyterian Church of Rye residing in the village of 
Port Chester " for the organization of a church. This was 
not effected until August 9, 1852. April 20th of the same 
year " certain members of the church at Bedford " requested 
to be organized into a new church to be located in the vil- 
lage of Mt. Kisco. This was done by a committee June 15th 
following. 

The Gilead Church in March, 1834, made the following 
declaration : 

" We, the members of the Second Presbyterian Congregational Church in 
the town of Carmel, and formerly having been a branch of the Westchester 
Presbytery, which is now extinct, do declare ourselves to be, as in fact we are, 
an independent Congregational Church. Believing, however, that great bene- 
fits may result to the church of Christ from intimate union and fellowship with 
each other by their mutual aid and council hold ourselves willing to unite with 
some ecclesiastical body whenever, in the providence of God, an opportunity 
shall present and the way made clear." [Blake's History of Putnam County, 
N. Y.] 

One month later, April 5, 1834, at a meeting of the 
Presbytery held at Red Mills, a delegation from that church 
appeared and stated that " by a unanimous vote of both 
the church and congregation " they had been deputed to re- 
quest the organization of a Presbyterian Church. The re- 
quest was granted and a committee appointed. This reorgan- 
ization was effected and the church was enrolled June 16, 
1835. I n I %37 the present church edifice was erected in the 
village of Carmel. 

Toward the close of Mr. McLeod's pastorate, great 
changes had taken place in the South East Congregation. 
Many had passed away, while others had removed. Most of 
the people lived south of the church. Mr. McLeod's health 



GAINS AND LOSSES. 



I I I 



had failed and services were held irregularly. The church 
building needed repairs, and efforts were made to change its 
location to a more southerly site, nearer to a majority of the 
congregation. Failing in this, it was proposed to organize a 
new church at South East Center. A petition signed by 
twenty-six persons was presented to the Presbytery of Bed- 
ford April 20, 1853. A commission with power was ap- 
pointed. They visited the church at South East, heard all 
parties, and urged upon the congregation to use all diligence 
to come to an agreement. These efforts to prevent a divi- 
sion of the church at South East failing, the committee, 
June 7, 1853, recommended that a church be organized at 
the Center. Seven days later (June 14, 1853) this was 
effected by Rev. Messrs. Patterson and Irving and Elder 
Thomas R. Lee. Mr. Irving preached from the text, Phil. 
2: 14-15 — " Do all things without murmurings and dis- 
putings, that ye may be blameless, etc." 

While these gains in churches were made there were also 
losses. October, 1832, the Peekskill Church for some rea- 
son not given applied to the Synod to be transferred to the 
Presbytery of New York. The request was granted, and 
April 17, 1833, it was ordered by Presbytery that its name 
be dropped from the roll. Five years later, October 17, 1838, 
it was transferred to the Second Presbytery (O. S.). The 
church at West Farms, October 21, 1835, requested the con- 
currence of the Presbytery in their petition to the Synod for 
transfer to the Second Presbytery (later Fourth Presbytery). 
Consent to the change was given and the transfer was then 
made. Both of these churches remained in the Old School 
connection. At the Division of 1837-8 the New Rochelle 
Church became New School. Greenburgh united with the 
Classis of New York without regular dismission in 1849 or 
1850, taking with them $500 or $600 bequeathed for the 
support of the said Presbyterian Church. The Mt. Pleasant 
Church gave notice, October 3, 1849, tnat they would apply 
to the Synod for transfer to the Second Presbytery of New 
York. Application was made and the request was granted. 



112 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



The church was enrolled by that Presbytery April 16, 1850. 
October 18, i860, four churches, South East, South East 
Center, Rye, and Port Chester, were set off by the Synod to 
strengthen the Presbytery of Connecticut, the transfer to 
take effect on the first Monday of December following. By 
these various changes the Presbytery was reduced in num- 
bers. At the dissolution in 1862, there were only twelve 
ministers and twelve churches remaining. These figures, 
as compared with the numbers on the roll at the erection of 
the Presbytery, show a net loss of three ministers and four 
churches. 

The subject of church extension seems to have been 
brought to the attention of the Presbytery by a letter from 
the executive committee of the Board of Domestic Missions 
presented at the meeting held at Bedford September 4, 
1839, and a paper from, to us, an unknown source at the 
next meeting, October 2, 1839. It was voted to appoint a 
committee to visit destitute districts, to select "preaching 
locations " and to make arrangements for supplying the 
same. This early Church Extension Committee was com- 
posed of Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green, Reuben Frame, and 
Robert G. Thompson. There is no record of a report by 
that committee. 

The General Assembly, by a resolution passed at its 
meeting in 1842, called the attention of Presbyteries to the 
work of church extension within their respective bounds. 
This resolution was referred, October 5, 1842, to a com- 
mittee consisting of Rev. William Patterson and Elder 
Aaron Read, with direction to report at the next stated 
meeting. The committee reported, April 19, 1843, that it 
was " inexpedient to attempt to organize any new churches 
in our bounds at present." October 2, 1844, the subject of 
church extension was again brought to the attention of the 
Presbytery by a communication from the Board of Missions. 
Willingness to cooperate was expressed, and a standing com- 
mittee was appointed to receive communications on the sub- 
ject. 



CHURCH EXTENSION. 



113 



The calls for organization of churches at Mt. Kisco and 
Portchester seemed to wake up the Presbytery to the oppor- 
tunities for work within their own bounds in the new vil- 
lages springing up along the lines of railroad. December 1, 
1852, Rev. Messrs. Edward D. Bryan, Epenetus P. Benedict, 
David Irving, and Aaron L. Lindsley, and Elders William P. 
Van Rennselaer and William L. Smith, were appointed a 
Committee on Church Extension, and were directed to 
organize a church in the new village of Mount Vernon, if 
the way were clear. It was recommended that the churches 
take up collections for this work before the next stated 
meeting of Presbytery. This committee does not seem to 
have accomplished anything, for, April 20th following, Rev. 
Messrs. Patterson and Irving and Elder Thomas Mead were 
appointed a Committee of Missions, with power to appoint 
a missionary to labor in Mount Vernon, Mamaroneck, and 
other villages in the southern part of Westchester. 

The Presbytery felt themselves seriously crippled in 
their work of church extension by the indefiniteness of their 
boundaries, especially the southern ones. At the next 
stated meeting, October 5. 1853, it was ordered that the fol- 
lowing overture be sent to the Synod of New York : 

" Whereas, it is known to Presbytery that during the last few years, a 
number of villages have sprung up within the ancient boundaries of the Pres- 
bytery of Bedford, which ought to be occupied by the Presbyterian Church. 
But as the Synod of New York has seen fit at various times to dismember this 
Presbytery and place a portion of our churches under the ecclesiastical con- 
trol of the Second Presbytery of New York, thus crippling and embarrassing 
us very much, and as we have no means of ascertaining where our Committee 
on Church Extension may labor, or whether they can secure any of the churches 
which they might organize, as some of the churches have been encouraged 
heretofore to act on the principle of elective affinity. Therefore, 

" Resolved, That the Synod of New York be earnestly requested to define 
o*ur bounds." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 95.] 

Apparently action was not taken by the Synod until the 
following year, when a committee was appointed to remodel 
the Presbyteries. It was to consist of one member from 
each Presbytery. At a meeting held during the Sessions of 
the Synod, October 17, 1854, Rev. William Patterson was 



ii 4 



THE PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON. 



chosen to represent Bedford. April 18 (1855) following the 
Presbytery voted unanimously that in remodeling the Pres- 
byteries "a strict geographical arrangement should be made 
as far as possible." The records of Presbytery do not in- 
form us what changes, if any, were made. October 3, 1855, 
Rev. Messrs. E. D. Bryan, Henry Benedict, and Elders John 
Palmer and Ephraim Sours, were appointed a "committee to 
visit Mamaroneck and to take such steps as they may think 
proper towards the permanent occupation of that field." 
Nothing came of these attempts, and no reports are on 
record. 

May 27, 1858, a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. 
Winthrop Bailey, E. P. Benedict, and Joseph C. Foster, and 
Elder Ira Pinckney, was appointed " to visit Lake Mahopac 
and decide on the expediency of erecting a chapel at that 
place in connection with the Red Mills Church." At the 
next meeting the committee reported progress, and was con- 
tinued. The project is not heard of again. April 17, 1861, 
a petition was received from forty-six persons requesting 
the organization of a church at Brewster's Station. It was 
finally decided to refer the applicants to the Presbytery of 
Connecticut, to which the churches of South East and 
South East Center had been transferred. 



CHAPTER XI L 



The Presbytery of Bedford continued. 
HE number of communicants reported by the Pres- 



A bytery in 1830 was 759. The following list gives the 
membership of individual churches : — South East, 95 ; 
Bedford, 145; South Salem, 164; White Plains, 25; New 
Rochelle, 23 ; Yorktown, 33 ; Patterson, 92 ; Mount Pleasant, 
36; West Farms, 35 ; and Rye, 12. The reviving influences 
of the Holy Spirit were generally felt throughout the Pres 
bytery in the years 1830-2, 1842-3, and T858-9. A work 
of grace at Patterson was reported in April, 1830. One- 
fourth of its membership had been added during the pre- 
ceding year. The narrative of April, 183 1, alludes to the 
indications of the presence of the Spirit in two or three 
congregations. A season of refreshing followed. There 
were large accessions to the churches. South East re- 
ceived 87, South Salem 71, Bedford 52, Upper Greenburg 
more than 30, and White Plains 19. Two years later, per- 
haps an extension of the same work of grace, Pound Ridge 
and Red Mills were greatly strengthened. 

April, 1842, revivals were reported in four congregations, 
with 170 hopeful conversions. The following year not less 
encouraging tidings were received. Many of the churches 
had enjoyed "a precious season of refreshing from the 
Lord," and more had " been hopefully converted to God 
than during the same period for many years past." The 
narrative of April, 1854, tells of " manifest evidences of 
God's gracious presence " in the leading of souls to the 
knowledge of the truth. The Presbytery of Bedford in 
1858-9 shared with the church at large in the presence of 




u6 



THE' PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



the Spirit. Extra services for preaching and prayer in 
some instances were continued for months. Nearly all the 
churches reported additions, " as many as 20 or 30 to each 
church." The following table represents the growth of the 
churches : 





No. of 


Added. 


Total 


Year. 


Churches. 


Examination. 


Certificate. 


Communicants. 


1530 


x 5 


3 1 


9 


759 


tR->t 


16 


23 


12 


°5j 


1^32 


1 O 


2 35 


12 


1062 


I5 j3 


x 5 


44 


„ 




I °34 


IO 


*4 


26 


1125 




No report. 








1530 


1 u 


J 9 


9 


I 4 I 3 




1 U 


47 


34 


I2 95 


163b 


I 0 


61 


4 1 


1306 


I5 39 


IO 


69 


24 


I jOO 


1840 


T 5 


22 


9 


IOT7 


1541 


*5 


12 


2 3* 


1 1 1 2 


1 04-i 


T 5 


78 


27 




I& 43 


J 5 


197 


18 


t ~>r>R 
IjOQ 


T<5 a a 

1S44 


T 5 


61 


37 


I45O 


J o45 


T 5 


51 


19 


I429 


.0./; 
1 04O 


x 5 


20 


27 


IT 75 


1847 


T 5 


10 


21 


1300 


184S 


T 5 


40 


30 


1268 


l84Q 


I c 

J 


46 


30 


1^62 


IS5O 


14 


3 2 


20 


1272 


I85I 


13 


S3 


21 


1283 


I85- 


13 


34 


22 


1258 


1853 


is 


3 2 


24 


1248 


1854 


16 


60 


31 


1306 


1855 


16 


38 


3 1 


1288 


I856 


16 


3i 


39 


i3 2 7 


1857 


16 


42 


29 


1340 


I858 


16 


84 


45 


»397 


1859 


16 


131 


44 


1520 


i860 


16 


34 


2 5 


1496 


l86l 


12 


26 


16 


1171 


1862 


12 


18 


2 3 


1185 


Total, 




1595 


. 789 





The narratives bear a remarkable resemblance to such 
reports of the present day. Often they refer to worldliness 
and apathy of church members. Occasionally they speak of 



TEMPERANCE. 



117 



revivals and deep interest in spiritual things. The sins 
particularly mentioned are intemperance and Sabbath dese- 
cration by idleness and worldly amusements. Frequent 
reference is made to the former. It is spoken of in the first 
narrative (April, 1830), where we are told "that the deadly 
vice of intemperance has received a very material check in 
its work of destruction. Temperance societies, upon the 
principle of total abstinence, have been formed in most of 
our congregations. Some distilleries have ceased the manu- 
facture, and several merchants have discontinued the sale of 
ardent spirits, and people begin evidently to feel that it is 
wrong to use the article, except as a medicine." 

The narrative of April, 1833, reports large accessions to 
these temperance societies. We are told in others (April, 
1838), that the cause "continues to advance," "the vice of 
intemperance is manifestly decreasing " (April, 1842), "the 
subject of temperance is engaging more than ordinary atten- 
tion " (October, 1853). Then, again, it is stated that tem- 
perance work "is stationary" (April, 1849), and that "it 
has retrograded" (October, 1852). October 6, 1852, the 
following resolution was adopted : 

" Resolved, that as a Presbytery we cordially sympathize with the friends 
of temperance in this land in their efforts to do away with the evils of intem- 
perance, and that it be recommended to the members of our churches to 
cooperate with the friends of temperance in all their laudable measures to free 
our land from the curse of intemperance." [Records of the Presbytery of 
Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 57.] 

April 18, 1854, the Prohibitory Liquor Law was ap- 
pointed the subject for public discussion for the next stated 
meeting. The temperance movement, judging from the 
statements in the narratives, was directed against the use of 
"ardent [distilled] spirits." 

As soon as railroad communication with New York City 
was established, the business of supplying that city with 
milk began. October 8, 185 1, Elder Aaron Read, of the 
Bedford Church, overtured the Presbytery on the lawfulness 
of sending milk to market on the Sabbath. The following 
is the minute adopted : 



I 1 8 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 

" That we consider the conduct of members of our churches in sending 
milk to New York on the Sabbath, as being inconsistent with a Christian pro- 
fession. 

" 2. That the officers of our churches, where this evil exists, be advised 
to proceed in its suppression with tenderness, prayer, and fidelity, that the 
peace and prosperity of our churches may be preserved." [Records of the 
Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 24.] 

April 20, 1853, a letter on the sanctification of the Sab 
bath, with special reference to the milk business, prepared 
by the Rev. David Irving, afterwards Secretary of the Board 
of Foreign Missions, was ordered printed for circulation 
among the churches. April 18, 1855, the following was 
adopted : 

" Whereas Presbytery has on two occasions affectionately remonstrated 
with certain members in some of our churches (though we fear to little pur- 
pose) who habitually profane the Lord's Day by carrying, their milk, or allow- 
ing it to be carried to the railroad, and whereas the General Assembly has 
decided (which decision is binding on 311 officers and members of our church) 
that all attention to worldly concerns on the Lord's Day, further than the 
works of necessity and mercy demand, is inconsistent with the letter and spirit 
of the Fourth Commandment, with Christian character, and is a bar to com- 
munion, therefore 

" Resolved, That all our Sessions, where this sin exists, be enjoined faith- 
fully to admonish and instruct all who persist in the practice." [Records of 
Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, pp. 147-8.] 

The narrative of the autumn following contains the 
statement that " Sabbath desecration as respects the milk 
business is declining, and we hope that it will cease alto- 
gether in the churches." The narrative of October, 1857, 
asserts that " it is very evident that where the milk business 
is most pursued that the Sabbath is kept least sacredly." 

A plan for reviving the churches and prosecuting more 
rigorously the work of the Lord was adopted in April, 1831, 
and carried into operation for about four years. The field 
of the Presbytery was divided into districts of not less than 
three nor more than five churches. Union meetings in each 
district were to be held on the first Wednesday of every 
month. It was made the duty of each minister and one or 
more elders in each church to be present, and the congrega- 
tions were invited. A sermon was to be preached in the 
afternoon, religious services were to be held in the evening, 



SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. 



II 9 



and, if it was deemed best, the meetings were to be con- 
tinued the next day. 

. With the same end in view, a scheme of Presbyterial 
visitation of the churches was adopted October, 1853. The 
committees were to consist of two ministers and one elder, 
were to hold preaching services and perform such other 
duties as the circumstances warranted. One year later, the 
Presbytery was divided into districts of two churches, and 
committees of two ministers were appointed to labor at least 
one week in each church under the direction of the pastor 
and the Session, provided that they consider that such pro- 
tracted services are called for. At the Fall stated meeting 
of 1857, "in view of the wants of the church and the 
absence of a spirit of reviving," a visitation was again 
ordered. Members of Presbytery were appointed to visit, 
" two and two," each church and hold such services as may 
be deemed expedient. 

Sabbath-schools were maintained at the first in nearly 
all of the churches during the summer, but on account of 
the sparseness of the population, they were omitted during 
the winter. An improvement in this respect is mentioned 
in the narrative of April, 1836, the sessions being held in 
most of our churches throughout the entire year. We have 
no Sabbath-school statistics until the year 1856. The fol- 
lowing table gives the membership from 1 856-1862 : 



Year. 


Membership. 


Year. 


Membership. 


1856 


875 


i860 


954 


1857 


741 


1861 


658 


1858 


771 


1862 


660 


l8 59 


945 







Prior to the division of 1837-8 the benevolent work of 
the Presbyterian Church was carried on through the agency 
of certain voluntary societies, such as the American Home 
Missionary Society, the United Foreign Missionary Society, 
the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
sions, the American Education Society, the Presbyterian 
Education Society, and through certain committees and 



120 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



boards appointed by and under the authority of the General 
Assembly. The Standing Committee on Missions (1802) 
became in 18 16 the Board of Missions. The Board of 
Education had been established in 18 19. When the Pres- 
bytery of Bedford was erected, there were two recognized 
agencies under the exclusive control of the General Assembly. 

Bible, Missionary, and Tract Societies were reported as 
early as 1830 in nearly all our churches. The standing 
rules, adopted April, 1830, required that collections should 
be taken up for missionary, education, and commissioners' 
funds of the General Assembly. The amounts were to be 
reported and the money paid to the treasurer of Presbytery 
at the spring meeting. To these a collection for the Assem- 
bly's contingent fund seems to have been shortly after 
added. October 21, 1830, the Presbytery voted to consti- 
tute themselves a missionary society auxiliary to the board 
of missions. Rules were adopted and the election of the 
necessary officers provided for. An effort was to be made 
to secure fifty cents from each church member. April 20, 
183 1, the Presbytery also became auxiliary to the Board of 
Education of the Synod of New York, with the right to 
choose their own beneficiaries and appropriate their own 
funds. The balance, if any existed, should go into the 
treasury of the parent society. Collections were taken up 
in some of the churches and reported at the spring meet- 
ings. 

The Synod of Pittsburg in 1831 constituted itself " The 
Western Foreign Missionary Society of the United States." 
Oct. 2, 1833, the plan of the society was approved by the 
Presbytery, and its work commended to the churches. A 
collection is reported April, 1.835, f° r th e Theological Semi- 
nary. On the recommendation of the Western Foreign 
Missionary Society, the Presbytery, Oct. 5, 1836, determined 
to undertake the support of a missionary. Mr. Robert W. 
Orr, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Allegheny, was 
assigned to this Presbytery. He was received Nov. 21, 
1837, and on the following day was ordained. Steps were 



BENEFICENCE. 



121 



taken to raise the necessary funds, with the following re- 
sults : 



Churches. 


1838. 


1839- 


1840. 


1841. 


i. Bedford, 


#167.05 


$144.18 


$171.70 


$165.11 


2. South Salem, 


118.53 


1 59.00 


194.00 


184.99 


3. Pound Ridge, 


41.19 


40.00 


46.00 


51-25 


4. Mt. Pleasant, 


88.23 


155.26 


123.00 


58.81 


5. South East, 


36.00 


20.00 






6. Greenburgh, 


25.00 








7. South Greenburgh, 22.62 








8. Yorktown, 


43-iS 


34.00 


41.50 


5. 00 


9. Patterson, 


5.00 




18.67 




10. White Plains, 


3-75 


8.61 


7-77 




11. Red Mills, 




26.60 


3-5o 




12. Soniers, 




3.00 






13. New Rochelle, 




20.00 


5.00 


5.00 


14. Rye, 




44-97 


141.00 


106.12 


Per Rev. J. Dickerson, 1 50.00 








Legacy, 


400.00 








Total, 


#1,100.52 


$655.62 


#753- 0 ° 


$576.28 



Mr. Orr was dismissed to the Presbytery of Clarion, 
April 19, 1842. There is no evidence that any one was 
appointed in his stead. No collections are reported for the 
support of a missionary after 1841. 

In 1837 the Western Foreign Missionary Society was 
adopted by the General Assembly and became the Board of 
Foreign Missions. October 7, 1846, the Seamen's Friend 
Society was commended by the Presbytery to the churches. 
October 3, 1849, the General Assembly's plan for raising a 
fund for superannuated ministers and their families was com- 
mended to the churches. April 17, 1850, annual contribu- 
tions were recommended for this purpose. In 1853, the 
minutes of the General Assembly contained an appeal 
in behalf of the Waldenses. It was voted to present that 
cause to the churches, and, if the way be clear, to take up 
collections. 

As early as 1835 a plan was adopted in the direction 
of systematic beneficence. The months when different col- 
lections should be taken up, were designated. It was recom- 
mended that associations in the churches should be formed 
16 



I 22 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



and committees appointed to solicit contributions. The 
collections mentioned were for Foreign Missions, Educa- 
tion, Bible cause, Tract cause, Sabbath schools, Home 
Missions, Theological Seminary, Commissioners' and Con- 
tingent Funds. 

The expenses of the commissioners to the General 
Assembly were paid out of the Commissioners' Fund at the 
rate of five cents a mile. The balance, if any, was to 
be paid into the General Assembly's Fund. This action 
was taken April 20, 1 836. Later the collections for the Com- 
missioners' and Contingent Funds were apparently inade- 
quate to the purpose. October 6, 1858, the following assess- 
ment was levied : South Salem, $20 ; Bedford, $15 ; Rye, 
$10; Port Chester, $8; White Plains, $10; South Green- 
burgh, $10 ; Patterson, $8; South East, $5; South East 
Center, $8 ; North Salem, $3 ; Pound Ridge, $5 ; Mt. Kisco, 
$3; Yorktown, $5; Gilead, $10; Red Mills, $$ ; Croton 
Falls, $5. The expenses of Presbytery were at first de- 
frayed by collections taken up at the meetings. April 18, 
1854, an assessment of $2 was levied on each church for 
the expenses of Synod and Presbytery. The salary of the 
stated clerks was fixed, November 3, 1829, at $5 per annum. 
October 3, 1854, it was raised to $10. 



STATISTICAL REPORTS. 



123 



CONTRIBUTIONS.* 



$39° 
255 
33 1 
260 

639 
No 
781 
848 
1,276 





CD 






c 
0 




'1 






0 


% 


a 
.2 


Dmesi 
;ions. 


G 


a 


Q 




W 




.... 


$10 




— 


200 






III 






201 






204 


report 


publis 


hed. 






252 






515 







470 


$425 


$425 


261 


392 


737 


202 


360 


IT? 


1 CI 


390 


545 


82 


335 


632 


io5 


378 


717 


120 


604 


680 


85 


480 


717 


213 


363 


566 


236 


332 


421 


99 


382 


772 


in 


412 


582 


40 


$4,853 


$7,566 


$4,010 



o g 



139 
134 
64 
62 

50 

333 



Sab- 
hools. 


d 




.2 






raci 
bat 


ubli 


H 





$20 



4 s 



79 



a a 



5 1 
j 1 1 

[67 
727 
195 
405 

390 



45 
48 

5o 
41 
41 

46 

35 
7i 
44 
37 
40 

49 

46 

57 

$789 



E.2 



$439 

695 
667 
1,129 
760 
666 
800 
807 
776 
675 
718 



$574 
539 
920 
1,056 
1,142 
948 
!,o39 
1,286 
M39 
985 
771 
678 



"5 
378 
204 
250 
382 

416 
544 

m 

175 



Totals, $8,662 $11,077 $3,272 $1,780 $923 $169! $1,172 



$61 
39 
17 
199 
148 

!25 
141 

220 
308 
96 
197 
229 



$80 
193 

83 
152 

70 

87 
258 



$40 
129 



$75 
64 

5 1 

252 

77 
79 
140 
141 

199 
94 



$6,652 
6,541 
10,982 
10,934 
12,354 
x 3> 2 98 
8,898 
8,594 
",933 
10,618 

9,o34 
6,973 



$116,811 $11,190 



Total Benevolent Contributions including Miscellaneous, - $61,623 

Total Congregational, i85i-'62, .... 116,811 

Presbyterial, Commissioners', and Contingent Funds, - 2,202 

Total for every cause so far as reported, - - $180,636 

*Cents for convenience are omitted. tChurch Erection. ^Included until 1861 Com 
missioners' and Contingent Funds and Relief. 



124 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



Less than one year after the organization of the Pres- 
bytery, the trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith took place. It 
was entered upon with great reluctance ; it was the outcome 
of the division in the Yorktown Church, which had taken 
place nearly a quarter of a century before. To the Pres- 
bytery, apparently, the old difficulty was a dead issue, in 
which they took no interest, the division a fact, which the 
judgment of no ecclesiastical court could change, and the 
whole proceeding unwise and unnecessary. Mr. Griffith, 
who since 1828 had ministered to the Congregational Church 
in Yorktown, became a member of the Presbytery at the 
first stated meeting, held April, 1830, by regular dismission 
from the Fairfield East Association. 

At the next meeting, October following, charges were 
preferred against him in the name of the First Presbyterian 
Church. They were read and ordered on file. From this 
action Mr. Wynkoop dissented. Complaint was made to 
the Synod of New York. The complaint was sustained and 
the Presbytery ordered to enter the charges upon the min- 
utes. At an adjourned meeting held in December in 
obedience to the direction of the Synod, the charges were 
read and entered upon the minutes. The action of the 
Presbytery of October 21st declining to issue requests for 
the attendance of witnesses not under their direction was 
at the same meeting reconsidered, and the stated clerk 
directed to issue either citations or requests as desired by 
either party. 

In the charges it was alleged that the Independent or 
Congregational Presbyterian Church was a schism from the 
First Presbyterian Church, that they had excommunicated 
members in good standing in the original church [this had 
been done in 1806], that they had published "one or more 
pamphlets of a scandalous nature, implicating the motives 
and vilifying the character of members" of that church and 
" the reverend the Presbytery of Hudson ... for which 
no concession and of which no recantation " had been made ; 
that Griffith H. Griffith was statedly ministering "to the 



THE TRIAL OF GRIFFITH H. GRIFFITH. 1 25 

said slandering, excommunicating, schismatic body;" that 
he was thereby upholding a schism and giving the sanction 
of the Presbytery thereto ; that his action was a virtual im- 
peachment of the decisions of the Presbytery of Hudson, 
and a ratification of groundless charges published against 
them was "virtually arraying the Bedford Presbytery in its 
sanctions against the Hudson Presbytery in its decisions," 
and distressing the hearts and the hands of the original 
church. 

April 21, 1 83 1, the Presbytery proceeded to the trial of 
the case. Richard Wynkoop, on request of the prosecuting 
committee of the church, was appointed their counsel. 
Judge Aaron Read, elder of the Bedford Church, assisted in 
the defense. August 30, 183 1, after much evidence had 
been taken, the case was thrown out by the Presbytery on 
the ground " that the prosecuting party is not a person or 
persons in the sense of the Constitution (Book of Disci- 
pline, Chapter V, Section 5), nor even a body responsible to 
this judicatory, and, therefore, not subject to the censures 
of this Presbytery (Book of Discipline, V, 7). The vote 
stood : Yeas, Rev. Messrs. Remington, Stebbins, Saunders, 
Green and Prime, and Elders Andrew Mead and Richard 
Dean ; Noes, Rev. Messrs. Long and McLeod, and Elder 
Samuel Brewster. Appeal was taken to the Synod. It was 
sustained, and a commission was appointed to visit York- 
town. The commission discharged this duty in November 
following. 

January 5, 1832, the trial was resumed. The taking of 
the evidence was completed by March 28th. The parties 
were heard and final judgment rendered at the April stated 
meeting. 

A committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green 
and Chester Long and Elder Ezra Young was appointed to 
draft a minute. The committee prefaced their recommenda- 
tions with a statement of the facts proven in the trial, which 
agrees with what has already been stated as to the original 
character of the church, the gradual change in the form of 



126 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



government, and the connection with the Presbyteries of 
Dutchess County and Hudson. The division of 1806 is 
not, however, attributed to this change, but to difficulties, 
not specified, which arose at that time. The return to Pres- 
byterianism, in the judgment of the committee, was due to 
the quarrel and the recollection "of the former character 
and standing of the church." The slanders were uttered 
"in the heat of passion and disputation." The Congrega- 
tional Church to which Mr. Griffith ministered was 
" descended from a body whose claim to be a true church is 
not disputed." It had existed for twenty-five years, had 
never "by any judicial ecclesiastical act been exscinded 
from the body of the faithful," and was without the juris- 
diction of the Presbytery. In view of these facts, as they 
judged them, the committee recommended the adoption of 
the following resolutions : 

" Resolved, 1. That we as a Presbytery are not called upon to adjudicate 
in relation to the said allegations. 

" Resolved, 2. That without deciding what has, and what has not, been 
proved in regard to the said allegations, yet upon a whole view of the case, 
we cannot find that the Rev. Griffith H. Griffith is chargeable with any irregu- 
larity in the part he has acted. Therefore, 

" Resolved, 3. That the said Rev. Griffith H. Griffith be, and he hereby 
is, acquitted from the charges preferred against him." [Records of the Pres- 
bytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 291-2.] 

The report was unanimously adopted". Appeal was taken 
from this decision. Mr. Griffith died shortly after. The 
Synod decided that his death was no bar to the prosecution. 
The General Assembly of 1833, in reviewing the record of 
the Synod, took exception to this decision, and the trial 
came to an end. Two years later the record of the Pres- 
bytery was reviewed by the Synod, and of eight exceptions 
taken, four relate to the conduct and decisions of this case. 

The trial from the preferring of the charges (October 3, 
1830), to the decision of the General Assembly (May 23, 
1833) covered a period of two years and a half. The charges 
occupy five pages of the record, the evidence one hundred 
and thirty-eight, the final judgment six, and the appeal and 
reasons therefor twenty-six. The minutes of the entire 



TRIAL OF GRIFFITH H. GRIFFITH. 



127 



case cover more than two hundred pages, almost half of the 
first volume. The prosecution was undoubtedly inspired by 
Rev. Richard Wynkoop, then pastor of the church, who 
acted also as their counsel. It was conducted by him with 
great ability, and the papers prepared by him are models of 
sound argument and clearness. The entire evidence as 
given in the record is in his handwriting. The positions 
taken by the prosecution from the standpoint of law are cor- 
rect, and the decisions of the Synod were all in their favor. 

The only useful result of the trial was the securing and 
record of evidence, which throws much light upon the 
division of the Yorktown Church and the history of Asso- 
ciated Presbyterianism in Westchester County. Doubtless 
the Presbytery viewed the matter from the standpoint " of 
the peace of the church and the prosperity of religion." 
The trial naturally produced great excitement in Yorktown, 
and waked up latent animosities. The feeling extended 
even to the children in the district school, and divided them 
into two parties. It may be fairly questioned whether the 
bringing to light and record of historic facts compensated 
for the bitterness and alienations intensified among the 
members of the body of Christ. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



The Presbytery of Bedford continued. 

A T the time of the organization of the Presbytery, cer- 
P± tain questions were growing in importance, upon 
which the church was soon to be divided into two parties. 
They were the Plan of Union, as connected with it the right of 
committeemen to sit in the General Assembly, the recep- 
tion of ministers and licentiates " on the credit of their con- 
stitutional testimonials," the ordination of ministers "sine 
titulo," voluntary societies and church boards, and the " new 
theology." The General Assembly of 1830 adopted a rule 
requiring that ordained ministers and licentiates from corre- 
sponding bodies should be required to give their assent 
to the questions proposed respectively to licentiates, when 
about to be ordained, and candidates, when about to be 
licensed. The Presbytery, at their next stated meeting 
(October 6, 1830), adopted the resolution of the Assembly as a 
standing rule. The burning question of the General As- 
sembly of 1 83 1 was the case of Albert Barnes, and con- 
nected with it the right of a Presbytery to examine a minis- 
ter or licentiate coming by certificate from another Pres- 
bytery. June 13th following the Presbytery of Bedford set- 
tled the question for itself by adopting the following stand- 
ing rule : 

"Every minister or licentiate coming to this Presbytery by certificate from 
another Presbytery, or other ecclesiastical body, shall submit to an examination 
before he be received, if any two members of Presbytery require it." [Records 
of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, p. 88.] 

Later, April 20, 1832, a pastoral letter to the churches 
was adopted. After alluding to the large accessions to 



THE U NEW THEOLOGY." 



129 



some of the churches and urging the importance of the in- 
struction of the baptized children, of the prayer meeting, 
and of the supply of the congregations with the Confession 
of Faith, the errors of the new theology were pointed out : 

" 5. And here we feel that we should fail in our duty, if we did not call 
the attention of our churches particularly to the special necessity there is at 
this time to watch against the'intrusion of heresy and disorder in the church. 
We hear the sentiment coming from every quarter, from men, both ministers- 
and elders, venerable for age, and of tried soundness, piety, and judgment, — 
that the present is a very fearful crisis in the Presbyterian church. Errors 
of various forms, striking at the very fundamentals of religion, are fast creep- 
ing in ; and these errors are the more dangerous, because they are introduced 
under the plausible and imposing disguise of zeal for the church and for the 
salvation of men's souls. The doctrine of original sin, as taught in our Con- 
fession of Faith (Chapter VI, Sees. 2, 3, and 4) and in the Larger Catechism 
(Questions 22, 25, 26, and 27) ; the doctrine of the impotency and dependence 
of the sinner, as taught in the Confession (Chap. VI, Sec. 4, and Chap. IX, 
Sees. 3 and 4) and in the Larger Catechism (Quest. 149) ; the doctrine of vica- 
rious atonement, as taught in the Confession (Chap. VIII, Sec. 5, and Chap. 
XI, Sees. 3 and 4)* and in the Catechism (Quest. 44) ; the doctrine of the im- 
puted righteousness of Christ, as taught in the Confession of Faith (Chap. XI, 
Sec. 1) and Larger Catechism (Quest. 70); the doctrine of the necessity of 
the Holy Spirit's agency in regeneration and sanctification, as taught in the 
Confession of Faith (Chap. X, Sees. 1 and 2) and Larger Catechism (Quest. 
67): — these doctrines are denied, either expressly or impliedly, by many 
in regular standing in the church. And the denial is defended by philosophi- 
cal subtleties and appeals to man's depraved reason and passions ; — and all 
under the pretence of improvements in theology. 

"And the errors thus propagated in place of and in opposition to the 
fundamental doctrines just specified are accompanied with various new and un- 
authorized devices (technically called new measures) in conducting religious wor- 
ship. The effect of which is, not to advance the cause of true religion, as is 
pretended, but to move on the passions of men at the expense of their under- 
standings ; and make them say they are converts and have submitted their 
hearts to God, when they evidently have no distinct apprehension of the plan 
of salvation by a Redeemer. 

" Now against these errors and disorders we affectionately and solemnly 
caution our beloved people. And we would say to them : ' Beloved, believe not 
every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God ' (1 Jno., 4:1). ' Hold 
fast the form of sound words ' (2 Tim., 1 : 13). 'Contend earnestly for the 
faith which was once delivered unto the saints ' (Jude 3). 'To the law and to 
the testimony ; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is 
no light in them ' (Is. 8: 20)." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, 
pp. 297-300.] 

17 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



The Presbytery on the same day passed the following 
resolution : 

" Resolved, That this Presbytery do most solemnly and earnestly remon- 
strate against the loose and unauthorized practice of many Presbyteries in 
receiving members without expressly requiring of them their assent to the 
questions as directed in the Confession of Faith. See Form of Govern- 
ment, Chap. XVI, Sec. 12." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, 
P- 309-1 

The right of committeemen to sit and vote in the Gen- 
eral Assembly had been called in question as early as 1820. 
It was then decided that he had the 'same rights as an elder. 
A similar decision was made in 1826 in reference to a dele- 
gate, who was not even a committeeman. A protest was 
entered against this action by forty-two members. The mat- 
ter came up again in the Assembly of 183 1, with similar re- 
sult as before. Against this sixty-eight commissioners pro- 
tested. The Presbytery on the same day that it bore testi- 
mony against error in doctrine and looseness in practice in 
receiving members (April 20, 1832) felt called upon to enter 
its protest against this decision : 

" The committee on the minutes of the General Assembly made a report, 
which was accepted, and, being amended, was adopted and is as follows : 

" The committee recommend to the notice of the Presbytery a resolution 
passed by the General Assembly of last year, on Thursday, May 19, in words 
following : 1 The Assembly proceeded to consider the case of the person 
denominated Standing Committee in the commission, it was resolved, that the 
member be received and enrolled among the list of members.' 

" Against the above resolution your committee would recommend that 
Presbytery enter on their minutes a respectful and solemn remonstrance for 
the following reasons : 

" I. It is an express violation of the letter of the constitution as stated in 
their commission, either (1) by calling him a committeeman, and not a ruling 
elder; or (2) by calling him ruling elder contrary to the fact. 

II. It violates the spirit of the constitution and endangers its safety. 
( 1 ) He is not supposed to cherish the principles of the church, for which he 
legislates and decides. (2) Nor is he under the solemn obligations by cove- 
nant, as is uniformly required of our elders. (3) Nor is he capable of deciding, 
according to our constitution, questions that may come before the judicatory." 
[Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 310-11.] 

Eighteen months later, October 2, 1833, there were rumors 
of doctrinal unsoundness in some of the churches under the 
care of the Presbytery. The following action was taken : 



THE "WESTERN MEMORIAL." I 3 I 

" Whereas, it is reported that disorders prevail and that erroneous doc- 
trines are preached in and about Red Mills ; therefore, 

" Resolved, That Messrs. Green, Saunders, and Dickerson be a committee 
to visit that congregation and other parts of the Presbytery, to inquire into the 
truth of the said report, and that they report to the Presbytery at the next 
stated meeting." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 376-7.] 

The committee reported as directed (April 15, 1834), and 
the report was accepted and adopted : 

" A majority of the committee visited Red Mills and Somers and made 
inquiry upon this subject. At Red Mills they conversed with as many of the 
elders as they could, and inquired of them particularly respecting the said 
rumors. From all the information they could get relative to the subjects of 
inquiry, they are unable to specify any particular errors that have been preached 
or disorders that have been practiced in that place, or in any other place within 
the bounds of the Presbytery. And the committee would further report that 
in the congregation of Red Mills former difficulties and divisions appear to be 
healed, and they are now in a state of harmony and prosperity, enjoying the 
labors of a man [Rev. Jonathan" Huntington] in whom they are all happily 
united ; and there are some pleasing indications of the special presence of the 
Holy Spirit to revive and build up His cause among them." [Records of the 
Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 332-3.] 

The old questions were brought up again in the General 
Assembly of 1834 by "a memorial from a number of judica- 
tories, and individual ministers and ruling elders, in different 
parts of the church, on the present state of the Presbyterian 
Church," known to history as the " Western Memorial," or 
" Cincinnati Memorial." It was signed by eighteen minis- 
ters and ninety-nine elders. Exception was taken, among 
other things, to the Plan of Union, to the patronage of 
voluntary societies, and to certain errors in doctrine taught 
in the church, and previous General Assemblies were 
charged with evasion and failure to discharge " their con- 
stitutional duties." The Assembly was asked to abrogate 
the Plan of Union, to conduct its own missionary opera- 
tions, and bear testimony against false doctrine. The 
prayers of the memorialists were not granted, and a pro- 
test was entered. A resolution was then offered, condemn- 
ing certain doctrinal errors, and rejected. A second protest 
was presented, but refused a place in the record. The 
protestants (thirty-seven ministers and twenty-seven elders) 
drew up a paper designated by themselves "The Act and 



132 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



Testimony," similar in sentiment to the " Memorial," in 
which they called upon all who loved the church to give no 
countenance to the teachers of false doctrine and upon all 
Synods, Presbyteries, and Sessions, and members thereof, 
ministers and elders, who held views similar to those ex- 
pressed in the paper, to signify publicly their approval. A 
convention was called to meet in Pittsburgh in May, 1835, 
previous to the meeting of the Assembly, to take such 
action as seemed "best suited to restore the prostrated 
standards." The Presbytery expressed its approval (Octo- 
ber, 1834) in the following language : 

" A paper entitled An Act and Testimony, etc., was presented to the Pres- 
bytery and read : and, on motion, the said Act and Testimony was unanimously 
adopted as the Act and Testimony of this Presbytery. And it was unani- 
mously 

"Resolved, 1. That in the judgment of this Presbytery, a crisis has 
arrived in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church, through the prevalence of 
various errors and disorders, in which the purity, peace and prosperity of 
the church are greatly suffering, the comfort and edification of believers much 
marred, and the ingathering of souls into the Redeemer's kingdom hindered. 

" 2. Such being the state of things, we do deliberately think that every 
honest and enlightened adherent to our excellent standards, and especially 
every minister and elder is called upon openly to avow such adherence : and 
we think this cannot be better done than by individually signing the aforesaid 
Act and Testimony. And, therefore, 

" 3. We do earnestly recommend it to every minister and elder of the 
churches composing this Presbytery, that they take this matter into serious 
consideration ; and that they give in their names to this Act and Testimony, 
and transmit them, as soon as practicable, to the Stated Clerk of this Pres- 
bytery, that he may transmit them to the office of the Presbyterian." [Records 
of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 406-7.] 

At the next stated meeting, April, 1835, Jacob Green and 
Elder John Owen of the Somers Church were appointed 
delegates to the Pittsburgh convention and commissioners 
to the General Assembly. 

The majority of the Assembly of 1835 were in sympathy 
with the views expressed in the Act and Testimony, and the 
action taken was in accordance therewith. In the next 
General Assembly (1836) the other party were in power. 
Before them came the appeal of Albert Barnes from the decis- 
ion of the Synod of Philadelphia, suspending him from the ex- 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1 836. 



133 



ercise of the functions of the gospel ministry, and the agree- 
ment made by a committee appointed by the previous Assem- 
bly with the Synod of Pittsburgh for the transfer of the West- 
ern Foreign Missionary Society. The appeal of Albert Barnes 
was sustained and the decision of the Synod reversed. The 
agreement with the Synod of Pittsburgh was not ratified. 
The Presbytery was unable to agree with the Assembly, and its 
dissent was entered upon the minutes (November 29, 1836) : 

" Whereas, The Presbyterian Church has been for several years past, and 
now is, greatly afflicted, her purity, beauty, and peace much marred, and her 
prosperity hindered by the prevalence of various dangerous and destructive 
errors, and by loose and corrupt practices in the administration of her govern- 
ment ; and, whereas, these errors seem to be increasing and extending ; and, 
whereas, the majority of the last General Assembly did, by several decisive 
votes, refuse to adopt measures which were proposed, for the correction and 
prevention of these evils, and for the general purity and enlargement of 
the Presbyterian Church, and did, by such refusal, give their sanction and en- 
couragement to the errors and disorders in question. Therefore, this Presby- 
tery, feeling alarmed not only for the purity and peace, but also for the safety 
of the Presbyterian Church, would, and now do, as they have heretofore done, 
bear their testimony against these corruptions ; and for this purpose they 
adopt the following resolutions : 

" Resolved, I, That in the judgment of this Presbytery, a certain book, 
entitled ' Notes on the Romans,' by Rev. Albert Barnes, contains dangerous and 
fundamental errors, especially in regard to the doctrines of original sin, the 
relation of man to Adam, and justification by faith in the imputed righteous- 
ness of Christ, and that said book is calculated to deceive the young and 
the unwary and seduce them from the belief and practice of the pure doctrines 
of the Gospel, as contained in our Confession of Faith and Catechisms. 

" Resolved, 2, That in the judgment of this Presbytery, the effect of the 
decision, by a majority of the last General Assembly, of several important 
q\iestions, was greatly to disparage the best interests of the Presbyterian 
Church — 

"(1.) The decision, recorded pp. 268-269 of their printed minutes, in 
which they sustained the appeal of the Rev. Albert Barnes from a decision of 
the Synod of Philadelphia, by which he had been suspended from the office of 
the ministry. Because by this decision they restored him to the ministry and 
bid him God speed in preaching and publishing the very dangerous errors 
which, it was proved, he maintained ; 

" (2.) The decision, recorded p. 270, by which they refused to adopt 
a resolution offered by the Rev. Dr. Miller, specifying and condemning various 
errors and representations contained in the said ' Notes on the Romans.' By 
this decision they do indirectly, yet very plainly give their sanction to these 
errors and representations, and manifest a willingness to give them currency. 
And that we do not misjudge in this is evident from the published speeches of 
many in advocating that decision ; 



134 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



" (3.) The decision, recorded p. 278, by which they refused to ratify a 
contract made by a committee of the previous General Assembly with the Synod 
of Pittsburgh, relative to the Western Foreign Missionary Society. By this de- 
cision they greatly disparaged the interests of the Presbyterian Church : First, 
Because they did thereby violate the faith of the church, which had been 
pledged by the preceding General Assembly, through their committee expressly 
empowered so to do, which pledge was also accepted in good faith by the 
other contracting party ; Secondly, Because they did by this decision, acting in 
their high and official character, as members of the supreme judicatory of the 
church, declare that the Presbyterian Church, as such, ought not to engage in 
the great work of evangelizing the nations of the earth, that is to say, that she 
ought not to obey the great command of her Lord, to preach the Gospel 
to every creature. 

" Resolved, 3, As the judgment of this Presbyter}', that all irresponsi- 
ble associations for training young men for the ministry and for conducting 
missions, whether domestic or foreign, are unauthorized and dangerous institu- 
tions, and ought not to receive the patronage of those who love the doctrines 
and order of the Presbyterian Church; because such associations, from 
the nature of their organization, can give no security for the maintenance and 
propagation of said doctrine and order; but, on the contrary, do seriously 
jeopard both. And we believe, on evidence most satisfactory, that such asso- 
ciations, existing and operating among us, have already been the instruments 
of greatly corrupting and distracting the Presbyterian Church ; so even now 
her unity is threatened. And in consistency with these views, we judge it to be 
the duty of all Presbyterians to sustain and liberally to patronize the General 
Assembly's Boards of Education and of Missions and the Western Foreign 
Missionary Society ; because these institutions originated with the judicatories 
of the church, are under their immediate supervision and control, and are re- 
sponsible to them for all -their acts. And as a special effort is at this time 
about to be made by the Western Foreign Missionary Society, we do most 
earnestly recommend it to the liberal patronage of our churches. 

" Resolved, 4, That we, as a Presbytery, do hereby recognize our obliga- 
tions to abide by and carry out the principles of the Act and Testimony unani- 
mously adopted by . us in October, 1834; — one of which principles is that 
we will bear testimony against the errors of the church, until testimony will be 
no longer heard. And this, we believe, is now the case. And, therefore, inas- 
much as the errorists who have crept in among us have caused a division, 
in fact, and inasmuch as separation in form is better than nominal union with 
contention and alienation of feeling, and inasmuch as such separation seems 
to offer the only way of preserving and propagating a pure faith, therefore 

" Resolved, 5, That in the judgment of this Presbytery a separation 
ought to take place between the orthodox and the errorists now composing the 
Presbyterian Church, as soon as the same can be judiciously effected. And, 
therefore, we recommend that convention be called by the central committee 
appointed last June at Pittsburgh, to take this matter into consideration, to 
effect the proposed separation or prepare the way for it, or, if a separation be 
deemed unadvisable, then to consider and determine what ought to be done. 

" The yeas and nays on the foregoing preamble and resolutions, being 
called for, stood as follows : 



DIVISION OF 1837-8. 



135 



" Yeas — Messrs. Green, Dickerson, Benedict, Frame, Thompson, and 
Patterson, ministers ; and Smith [Pound Ridge], Miller [Bedford], Northrop 
[South Salem], John Wallace [North Salem], and Young [South East], elders. 

" Nay — Mr. White [Somers], elder." [Records of the Presbytery of Bed- 
ford, Vol. I, pp. 509-516] 

The question of separation and of a convention had been 
suggested in a secret circular sent to those who were 
opposed to the action of the Assembly of 1836. 

On April 19, 1837, Rev. Reuben Frame and Elder John 
Owen were appointed delegates to the Philadelphia Conven- 
tion and commissioners to the General Assembly. The acts 
of that Assembly (1837) received the unanimous approval of 
the Presbytery, October 4, 1837. 

" 1. This Presbytery would record their feelings of gratitude to God for 
His merciful interposition in giving to the friends of truth and presbyterial 
order so decided a majority in the last General Assembly. 

" 2. With similar feelings of gratitude we do hereby express our decided 
approbation of the reformatory measures of that Assembly, and give it as our 
unwavering judgment that the acts of that Assembly abrogating the Plan of 
Union and disowning the Synods of the Western Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and 
Genesee, consequent thereon ; and the resolutions discountenancing the opera- 
tions of the American Home Missionary Society and the American Education 
Society within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church ; and the order concern- 
ing the organization of the next General Assembly, — were not only constitu- 
tional and right, but necessary for the preservation, purity, peace and prosperity 
of our beloved church." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. II, pp. 44-5.] 

The Synod took exception to these resolutions, judging 
them to be " unwise and not for edification." 

The General Assembly of 1838 met in the Seventh 
Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia on May 18th. The 
majority refused to enroll the commissioners from Presby- 
teries of the exscinded Synods. The minority, ignoring the 
Moderator of the last Assembly who occupied the chair, 
called upon Dr. Beman, an ex-Moderator, to act temporarily 
as presiding officer, effected an organization by the election 
of Messrs. Erskine Mason and E. W. Gilbert as clerks, and 
Dr. S. Fisher as Moderator, and immediately adjourned to 
the First Church. Rev. William S. Plumer was elected 
Moderator by those who remained. The Presbytery, Octo- 
ber 3, 1838, unanimously ratified the action of the latter 
body : 



136 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



" That this Presbytery adhere to the General Assembly, which was 
organized and held its sessions in the Seventh Presbyterian Church in Phila- 
delphia, and of which the Rev. William S. Plumer was Moderator." [Records 
of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. II, p. 162.] 

The Synod of New York (O. S.) directed that the Pres- 
byteries shall see to it that no ministers be regarded as 
members unless they shall have expressed their adherence 
to the General Assembly, which held its sessions in the 
Seventh Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. The Pres- 
bytery complied with this order, and put all applicants to 
this test. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



The Presbytery of Bedford continued. 
HE vote of Dr. Ebenezer White, elder of the Somers 



1 Church, against the resolutions of disapproval of the 
action of the Assembly of 1836, revealed his sympathies 
with the New School party. That church was divided in 
sentiment. About one year later, October 4, 1837, "irregu- 
larities " at Somers were reported to the Presbytery, and a 
commission was " appointed to visit Somers and inquire into 
these matters, and to take such order as they may deem 
proper." It was ordered that the Session of the church 
should meet and "do such business as may be necessary." 
Charges were brought before the Presbytery against Dr. 
White, March 13, 1838. He was arraigned for "promoting 
schism," for " endeavoring to prevent the administration of 
the Lord's Supper at the appointed time," for "violating his 
own promise," and for "falsehood and misrepresentation." 
Jacob Green conducted the prosecution and Robert B. E. 
McLeod assisted in the defence. Testimony was taken, and 
on June 28th a verdict of guilty was rendered, and Dr. 
White was suspended from the privileges of the church and 
deposed from the office of ruling elder. From this decision 
appeal was taken to the Synod of New York. 

In October following the Synod divided into two bodies. 
The appeal was prosecuted before the New School one, 
which reversed the judgment of Presbytery. April 17, 
1839, the Presbytery declared the appeal abandoned and the 
action of the New School Synod " null and void," and 
ordered the Session of the Somers Church to drop from the 
rolls the names of members who persisted in their adher- 




8 



i3« 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



ence to Dr. White. The Old School portion of the church 
retained possession of the church and parsonage, while 
for a time the other party worshiped in the Methodist 
Church. " A suit was instituted by the Constitutional 
Presbyterians [N. S.] for the possession of the church prop 
erty. The cause was tried before the Supreme Court of 
Westchester County, Judge Ruggles presiding. The jury, 
without leaving their seats, gave a verdict in favor of the 
plaintiffs." April 3, 1839, tne First Church of Somers 
[N. S.] was received under the care of the Third Presbytery 
of New York [N. S.]. October 16, 1861, it was transferred to 
the Presbytery of North River and enrolled on the following 
day. The Old School party incorporated January 20, 1846, as 
"The Presbyterian Church at Croton Falls." October 7th 
following, by order of the Presbytery this name takes the 
place of that of Somers. In 1847 tne present church build- 
ing was erected. 

At the time of the Division, Rev. Joseph Nimmo was 
pastor of the Red Mills Church. His sympathies and those 
of the larger part of that congregation were with the Old 
School party. A number of families living at West Somers 
were decidedly New School in their views and preferences. 
The latter withdrew and " connected themselves with a 
Congregational Church organized in the Academy building 
at West Somers." 

The New Rochelle Church severed its connection with 
the Presbytery .of Bedford at the Division. The pastorate 
of John Mason ended October 19, 1837. Gorham D. Abbott 
became stated supply shortly after. Application was made 
by letter to Presbytery, April 18, 183$, for permission to 
employ him for a few months. It was denied, because his 
views on theology and church government were not known. 
Mr. Abbott, it seems, declined to be re-examined, not be- 
cause his views differed from the teachings of the standards, 
but by advice of his New School brethren. At the next 
stated meeting (October, 1838), Elder Philemon H. Carpenter 
of the New Rochelle Church was present and voted with his 



NEW ROCHELLE CHURCH. 



139 



fellow Presbyters to adhere to the Old School Assembly. 
At the same meeting a communication was received from 
the church asking for the concurrence of the Presbytery in 
a petition to the Synod for a transfer to one of the New 
York City Presbyteries. This was denied. It must have 
been shortly after that application was made to the New 
York Third, to which Mr. Abbott belonged, to be received. 
The church apparently was assigned to the Second, after- 
wards Fourth Presbytery, to strengthen it, to which their 
stated supply was also dismissed. 

October 2, 1839, a communication was received from the 
church and referred to a committee. The report was pre- 
sented the next day and adopted. It is as follows : ' 

" Whereas the church at New Rochelle has failed to appear in Presbytery 
by delegate for a year past ; and, whereas, they are served by a minister not 
known to this body. Therefore, 

Resolved, That they be required either to discontinue the services of their 
present supply, or receive from this Presbytery permission to employ him; 
which the Presbytery are ready to grant upon being satisfied of his soundness in 
the faith (of which they now know nothing) and of his being in other respects 
a person whose labors shall promise to promote the- best interests of that con- 
gregation. And the congregation are hereby informed that the Presbytery will 
meet during the intervals of the Synod of New York in the city of New York 
on the 16th instant, when they will expect to hear from that congregation on 
this subject." [Records of Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. II, pp. 221-2.] 

The church did not comply with the directions of Pres- 
bytery. Mr. Abbott was retained, and on the very day 
appointed to hear from them, October 16, 1839, they were 
received by the Second Presbytery. A committee was 
appointed to visit New Rochelle. April 22, 1840, the fol- 
lowing report was presented : 

" Having requested and obtained an interview with the Rev. Gorham D. 
Abbott and Dr. Watson Smith, the committee stated to them the object 
of their appointment. To their assurances of friendly feelings they obtained 
no satisfaction. Mr. Abbott's reply was : ' Why can't the Presbytery of Bed- 
ford let us alone ? ' And to their enquiries in relation to the affairs of the church, 
Dr. Smith replied, ' they did not recognize the right of the Presbytery to make 
any such enquiries.' The committee, however, ascertained that by the indi- 
vidual action of Mr. Abbott and Dr. Smith, the church has become connected 
with the Second Presbytery of New York (N. S.)." [Records of the Presby- 
tery of Bedford, Vol. II, pp. 235-6.] 



140 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



Two members of the congregation, Messrs. Gilchrist 
and Shepherd, were present at the meeting of Presbytery 
and made statements. The matter was referred to a com- 
mittee. On recommendation of this committee the Presby 
tery declared (April 22, 1840) that the action "of the elder 
of that church in pretending to attach himself and the 
church to another Presbytery is irregular, null, and void ; — 
inasmuch as it was done without the concurrence of the 
church, and against the unanimous agreement of the church 
in October, 1838, to adhere to the Presbytery of Bedford, and 
without the consent of the Presbytery." The church was 
declared vacant and Mr. Frame was appointed "to supply 
that congregation at such time as he shall be requested to 
do so, by those of the congregation adhering to the Pres- 
bytery." The name of the church remained on the roll, 
though not represented by an elder, for five years. April 16, 
1845, it was ordered erased. 

In the first three decades, the Presbytery of Bedford 
lost three of their churches, Peekskill, West Farms, and Mt. 
Pleasant, by transfer by the Synod to other Presbyteries. 
Only in one instance was their concurrence secured. April 
21, 1847, m response to a communication from the Synod on 
the boundaries of Presbyteries, a request was made for the 
return of the Peekskill Church. When the question of re- 
modeling the Presbyteries was up in 1855, the Presbytery 
pronounced in favor of a " strict geographical arrangement." 
October, i860, an overture from the Presbytery of Connecti- 
cut was presented to the Synod, requesting for themselves 
enlargement or dissolution. Apparently without consulta- 
tion with the Presbytery of Bedford, four churches, Rye, 
Port Chester, South East, and South East Center, with 
their pastors, were set off to strengthen their neighbor on 
the east. The loss was regarded as a serious one, and called 
forth a vigorous protest : 

" Whereas, the Synod of New York has lately taken certain action deeply 
affecting the integrity of the Presbytery, therefore 

" Resolved, That Presbytery submits to the transfer of the churches 



UNION WITH THE CONNECTICUT PRESBYTERY. I4I 

already made over to the Connecticut Presbytery, but will strenuously oppose 
any further dismemberment of their body; and will also expect Synod to 
strengthen this Presbytery, which their action has weakened, by the transfer of 
those churches within their geographical bounds, which are now by elective 
affinity united to city Presbyteries." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, 
Vol. Ill, p. 358.] 

The Presbytery had now but twelve churches and 
thirteen ministers. The Presbytery of Connecticut, after 
its enlargement, numbered only ten churches and fourteen 
ministers. It seems to have been soon realized that instead 
of one weak Presbytery there were now two ; for in two 
years at meetings of both Presbyteries, held October 22, 
1862, during the sessions of the Synod, committees of con- 
ference on their proposed union were appointed. There is 
no minute of the report of the committee, nor of action 
thereon by the Presbytery. From the record of the Presby- 
tery of Connecticut (October 23, 1862), we conclude that 
the conference committees decided to recommend a joint 
overture to Synod in favor of the consolidation under the 
name of the Presbytery of Connecticut. The request was 
presented the same day and granted. 

The final entry upon the records of the Presbytery of 
Bedford is as follows : 

" Action of the Synod of New York in reference to the request of the 
Presbyteries of Bedford and Connecticut at New York, October 23, 1862. 

" Resolved, That the request of the Presbyteries of Bedford and Con- 
necticut be granted, and that on and after the third Tuesday of April next, the 
said Presbyteries shall be united in one Presbytery under the name of the 
Presbytery of Connecticut. 

"Resolved, 2, That the first meeting of the Presbytery of Connecticut, as 
thus formed, shall be held in the Presbyterian Church of Patterson on the 
third Tuesday of April, 1863, at 2 o'clock p. m., to be opened with a sermon 
by the present Moderator, the Rev. C. W. Adams. 
A true copy, 

I. D. Wells, Permanent Clerk.''' 
[Records of Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 381.] 

At the same meeting of the Synod the South Green- 
burgh Church and its pastor were transferred to the Second 
Presbytery of New York. 



142 



THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 



Permanent Officers, 
stated clerks: 



Name. 

1. Rev. Jacob Green, 

2. " William Patterson, 



Appointed. 
November 3, 1829. 
April 20, 1852. 



TREASURERS : 



Name. 
Rev. Chester Long, 
" James V. Henry, 
" Reuben Frame, 
" William Patterson, 
" David Irving, 
" Andrew Shilancl, 



Appointed. 
November 3, 1829. 
April 22, 1835. 
October 6, 1841. 
October 30, 1850. 
April 20, 1852. 
October 3, 1855. 



CHAPTER XV. 



The Presbytery of Connecticut. 



HE Presbyterian Church in Connecticut owes its 



1 origin to the introduction into this country of the 
carpet industry. The Thompsonville Manufacturing Com- 
pany located part of its works at Thompsonville on the 
Connecticut River, as early as January, 1828. Others were 
erected at Tariffville, twelve miles from Hartford. To ply 
the looms, weavers were brought from Scotland. The first 
company of them reached the former place in October, 
1828, and others followed from time to time. The opera- 
tives at Thompsonville attended worship at the Enfield Con- 
gregational Church. 

In December, 1834, stated services were begun in a hall 
in the school-house, with the professors of the East Windsor 
Theological Seminary as preachers. This arrangement was 
maintained until 1838, in the latter part of which year the 
services of the Rev. Joseph Harvey, D.D., were secured as 
stated supply. The people determined to organize a Pres- 
byterian Church. Dr. Harvey united with the Presbytery 
of New York, and on June 25, 1839, presented a request 
to that body for the organization of a church. The request 
was granted and a committee appointed for the purpose. 
They met at Thompsonville July fjth, and fulfilled the duty 
assigned them. Eighty-two persons, seventy-three by letter 
and nine on profession, were received. Elders were elected 
and ordained on the following day. A meeting of Pres- 
bytery was held there on the 9th, and the church was 
enrolled. Dr. Harvey was installed the first pastor on 
the 10th. 




144 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



The church at Tariffville was received under the care of 
the same Presbytery April 15, 1845, and on July 3d, Rev. 
Giles Manwarring was installed. This pastoral relation was 
dissolved on October 27th following. A call was extended 
to Robert G. Thompson, then pastor of the Yorktown 
Church, and he was installed March 17, 1846. Evidently to 
the Synod of New York Connecticut offered a promising 
field for the planting of Presbyterian churches, for October 
15, 1850, the following action was taken : 

" Resolved, That the Rev. Joseph Harvey, D.D., the Rev. James Ely, the 
Rev. Gerrish Barret, and the Rev. Robert G. Thompson, and the churches of 
Thompsonville and Tariffville be, and hereby are, detached from the Pres- 
bytery of New York, and constituted into a new Presbytery to be known by 
the name of the Presbytery of Connecticut, and that that Presbytery hold their 
first meeting at Thompsonville on the 29th day of October, 1850, at eleven 
o'clock A.M., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Harvey, and in 
case of his failure, by the oldest member present." [Records of the Presby- 
tery of Connecticut, p. 1.] 

No definite geographical boundaries were assigned. 



ROLL OF MINISTERS. 



Name. Church. 



Enrolled. 



1. Joseph Harvey, P., Thompsonville, 

2. James Ely, 

3. Gerrish Bairet, 

4. Robert G. Thompson, P.,Tariffville, 

5. Alexander Leadbetter, 

6. A. Henry Dumont, 

7. A. B. L. Myers, 

8. Chauncey D. Lee, 

9. Thomas S. Childs, P., Hartford, 

10. James L. Merrick, C. P., (South Amherst), 

11. Marcus M.Carleton,F.M.,(Siam), 

12. George W. Connitt, P., Deep River, 

13. James Gubby, S. S., Providence, 

14. Carson W. Adams, P., Thompsonville, 

15. George A. Magee, S. S., Providence, 

16. Calvin Terry, 

17. Nathaniel Hewit, P., Bridgeport, 

18. Edward D. Bryan, P., Rye, 

19. Henry Benedict, P., Port Chester, 

20. Geo. T. Goodhue, P. E., South East, 

21. Winthrop Bailey, P., South East Center, 



" " *Aug. 12, 1857 
" tSept. 14, 1852 
Oct. 30, 1850, tApr. 29, 1857 
Apr. 23, 1851 * 1805 

" " tApr. 23, 1856 
June 24, 185 1 

June 30, 1852* t Jan. 22, 1866 
Apr. 26, 1854 

July 18, 1854, tApr. 23, 1856 
Oct. 8, 1856, tFeb. 4, 1862 
Oct. 27, 1857, tApr. 26, 1859 
Apr. 14, 1858 

Dec. 2, 1858, tApr. 25, i860 
Apr. 25, i860 

Dec. 3, i860, *Feb. 3, 1867 
Dec. 3, i860, 1 Oct. 2, 1861 



Oct. 29, 1850 



*July 18, 1868 
*Nov. 8, 1865 
*Apr. 3c, 1865 



* Died. t Dismissed. 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 



145 



Name. Church. Enrolled. 

22. Charles W. Baird, P., Rye, Apr. 24, 1861 

23. Horace G.Hinsdale.A.P., Bridgeport, Oct. 17, 1862 

24. Epenetus P. Benedict, P., Patterson, Apr. 21, 1863 

25. William Patterson, P., Pound Ridge, " " 

26. Andrew Shiland, P., Mt. Kisco, " " 

27. Samuel D.Westervelt, P.,Yorktown, " " *Nov. 15, 1865 

28. David Teese, S. S., White Plains, 

29. Aaron L. Lindsley, P., South Salem, " " t 1869 

30. Peter B. Heroy, P., Bedford, 

31. Henry W. Smuller, P., Gilead, 

S. S., Croton Falls. 

32. Augustus H. Seeley, S. S.,North Salem, " " tOct. 7,1863 

33. R.H.Richardson,S.S.&P.,Red Mills, " " tApr. 20, 1864 

34. Thomas S. Bradner, " " 

35. E. R. Beadle, Apr. 28, 1863, f Nov. 1, 1864 

36. TalmonC. Perry, Oct. 21, 1963 

37. Saurin E. Lane, P., Gilead, Nov. 17, 1863, 1'Apr. 20, 1869 

38. William H. Hodge, P., Red Mills, Apr. 19, 1864, t Apr. 18, 1870 

39. Roswell D. Smith, S. S., South East, July 26, 1864 

40. Valentine A. Lewis, P., Port Chester, Nov. 1, 1864, tOct. 1, 1867 

41. Duncan C. Niven, S. S., South East Center, May 10, 1865, tOct. 17, 1866 

42. Nathan M. Sherwood, P., Patterson, " " t July 13, 1869 

43. J. Aspinwall Hodge, P., Hartford, Apr. 17, 1866 

44. E. Bailey Smith, S. S., (Enfield, Conn.), Oct. 2, 1866 

45. James W. Johnston, P., Yorktown, Oct. 15, 1866 

46. Homer S. Newcomb, Apr. 17, 1867 

47. Ezra F. Mundy, S. S., North Salem, Oct. 1, 1867 

P., Port Chester. 

48. A. R. Macoubrey, P., South East Center, Oct. 16, 1867 

49. William J.Thompson, P., Croton Falls, Oct. 15,1868 

50. Isaac W. Cochran, P., Gilead, July 13, 1868, fDec. 13, 1869 

51. James Baird, P., Patterson, Apr. 20, 1869 

52. Daniel S. Gregory, P., South Salem, May 4, 1869 

53. Henry F. Lee, P., Thompsonville, July 13, 1869 

54. Chas. H. Halloway, S. S., North Salem, July 13, 1869 

55. Charles B. Dye, S. S., Somers, Apr. 19, 1870 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 

Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. t Term of Service. 

1. Thompsonville, Oct. 29, 1850, Joseph Harvey, P., July 10, 1850-Apr. 29, 1857 

C. W. Adams, P., Apr. 14, 1858- June 1, 1868 
Henry F. Lee, P., July 13, 1869-Dec. 20, 1873 

2. Tariffville, " " G. Manwarring, P., July 3, 1845-Oct. 27, 1845 

R. G.Thompson, P.,Mar. 17, i846-Sept.i4, 1852 

* Died. f Dismissed. 

X Taken from the records and all available sources. 
19 



146 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



Deep River, 
Providence, 



Rye, 



Port Chester, 



19. 



Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies.* Term of Service. 

Hartford, Nov. 4, 1851/r. S. Childs, S. S., Aug.—, 1851-June 30, 1852 

P , June 30, 1852-Oct. 19, 1865 
J. A. Hodge, P., May 2, 1866 
Oct. 8, i856,Geo.W. Connitt, P.,Oct. 9, 1856-Feb. 4,1862 
Oct. 27, 1857 James Gubby, S. S.,Oct. 27, 1857-Oct. 13, 1858 

G. A. Magee, S. S., Nov. 1, 1858- 1859 
Bridgeport, 1st, Dec. 3, i86o,Nathaniel Hewit,P.,Oct. 31, 1853-Feb. 3, 1867 

H. G. Hinsdale, P., Oct. 28, 1862-Nov. 1, 1877 
Dec. 3, i86o,Edw. D. Bryan, P., Oct. 9, 1838-July 1, 1861 

Chas. W. Baird, P., May 9, 1861-Feb. 10, 1887 
" " Henry Benedict, P.,Oct. 19, 1854-Apr. 22, 1863 
V. A. Lewis, P., Nov. 1, 1864-Oct. 1, 1867 
Ezra F. Mundy, P., Mar. 9, 1868-Mar. 31, 1877 
" G. T.Goodhue,P.E.,May 21, 1859-Nov. 8, 1865 
R. D. Smith, S. S., Sept.—, 1865-July 1, 1870 
« W. Bailey, P., June 28, 1854-Oct. 16, 1861 
Samuel Bailey, S.S.,(one year). 
J.M.Carmichael,S.S., " " 
D.C.Niven,S.S.&.P.E., 1864-1866 
A. R.Macoubrey,P.,Oct. 23, 1867-Dec. 3, 1876 
Apr. 21, i863,E. P. Benedict, P., Sept.30, 1829-Apr. 19, 1865 
N. M. Sherwood, P., May 10, 1865-Nov. 12, 1867 
James Baird, P., May 11, 1869-May 1, 1879 
" A. L. Lindsley, P., Nov. 10, 1852-Oct. 20, 1868 
D. S. Gregory, P., May 4, 1869-Sept. 5, 187 1 
" S. D.Westervelt,P.,Oct. 26, 1853-Oct. 4, 1865 
J. W. Johnston, P., Oct. 15, 1866-Oct. 17, 1875 
Apr. 21, i863,Peter B. Heroy, P., Oct. 30, 1857-Oct. 16, 1878 
" A. H. Seeley, S. S., 1857-1863 
Ezra F.Mundy,S.S., 1863-1868 
C.H.Halloway,S.S., 1868-187 1 

" " Andrew Shiland,P.,June 14, 1854-Apr. 24, 1870 
" H. W. Smuller, P., May 5, 1858-Apr. 22, 1S63 
Saurin E. Lane, P., Nov. 24, 1863-Apr. 21, 1868 

I. W. Cochran, P., July 13, 1868-Dec. 13, 1869 



9. South East, 
10. So.East Center 



11. Patterson, 



2. South Salem, 



13. Yorktown, 



Bedford, 
North Salem 



Mt. Kisco, 
Gilead, 



Red Mills, 



Croton Falls, 



20. White Plains, 



Pound Rid< 



R.H.Richardson,P.,Oct. 29, 1861-Oct. 7, 1863 
Wm. H. Hodge, P., May 3, 1864-May 24, 1868 
C. W. Adams, S. S.,Oct. — , 1868-Feb. 1, 1871 
Jas. Sinclair, S. S., Oct. — , 1862-Dec. 27, 1863 
J. B. Stoddard, S. S.,Apr. 10, 1864-Apr. — 1866 
H.W. Smuller, S. S July — , 1886-Apr. 5, 1868 
W. J. Thompson,P.,Oct. 15, 1868-Apr. 1, 1872 
David Teese, S. S., July 17, 1853-July 7, 1864 
Aug.—, 1865-Oct. — , 1869 
T. C. Steele, S. S., 1870-June 20, 187 1 

Wm. Patterson, P., Feb. 10, 1836- Feb. 6, 1889 



German (Bridgeport), *Aug., 1865, (Dissolved Oct. 6, 



* Organized. 



t Taken from the records and all available sources. 



CHURCH EXTENSION. 



147 



LICENSED. 



Name. 



Date. 



1. Fergus L. Kenyon, 

2. Homer S. Newcomb, 

3. James M. Anderson, 



Apr. 25, 186 1. 
Apr. 22, 1863. 
Apr. 20, 1864. 



ORDAINED. 



Name. Date. 



1. Thomas S. Childs, June 30, 1852. 

2. Marcus M. Carleton, July 18, 1854. 

3. Valentine A. Lewis, Nov. 1, 1864. 

4. Nathan M. Sherwood, May 10, 1865. 

5. James W. Johnston, Oct. 15, 1866. 

6. Homer S. Newcomb, Apr. 17, 1867. 

7. William J. Thompson, Oct. 15, 1868. 

8. Isaac W. Cochran, July 13, 1868. 



The Presbytery, at its organization, numbered but four 
ministers and two churches. Though weak numerically, 
their faith in the possibilities of the field assigned them was 
great. Their attention was first turned to Hartford and 
New Haven, where many Scotch and Scotch-Irish Presby- 
terians resided. As early as June 24, 185 1, it was deter- 
mined to begin services at both of these points. At the first 
named place a church of thirty-four members was organized 
under the name of "The First Presbyterian Church of 
Hartford," November 4, 185 1. After several fruitless at- 
tempts, the Presbytery ceased its efforts to secure a foothold 
at New Haven. 

Stamford in 1852 seems to have presented an opening ? 
for, on April 28th, Rev. A. B. L. Myers was appointed to visit 
that place with view to the organization of a Presbyterian 
Church. This was accomplished, but by the Third Presby- 
tery of New York [N. S.], on February 25, 1853. The mem- 
bers of this church came from the Congregational Church 
of that place. October 3, 1855, the Presbytery directed the 
committee on church extension " to examine particularly the 
fields at Fitchville, Conn., and Holyoke, Mass." No report 
is found on the record giving the results of the committee's 
exploration. 



148 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



The Presbytery was more successful in its efforts at 
church extension at Deep River, Middlesex County, Conn. 
July 27, 1856, nineteen persons were ''constituted 'The 
Presbyterian Church of Deep River,' " by Rev. Thomas S. 
Childs. The reasons for the organization of the church are 
given in a minute entered on the Sessional Record : 

" The members thus included in the constitution of this church were for 
merly members of the Consociated Congregational Church of Deep River ; 
they being truly and fully convinced that the said Congregational Church had 
departed from and denied the faith of their fathers contained in the ' Saybrook 
Platform ' as they understood and believed it ; and believing that they had 
used all proper means within their knowledge and power to prevent such 
denial of and departure from the faith ; and believing that to continue in said 
church would involve themselves in the sin of denying the true Gospel did, in 
obedience to the word of God, withdraw from the said church and solemnly 
declare that, for such reasons as have been referred to above, they did not 
' consider themselves as any more belonging with them nor responsible to 
them.' " [Records of Presbyterian Church, pp. 1-2.] 

The church was received under the care of the Presby- 
tery and enrolled Oct. 8, 1856. The first and only pastor, 
Rev. George W. Connitt, was installed on the following clay. 
His pastoral relation was dissolved February 4, 1862, on ac- 
count of the inability of the congregation to provide ad- 
equate support. We hear but little of the church after this 
time. In the years 1865 and 1866, it was recommended to 
the Board of Domestic Missions for aid. In 1866 and 1867, 
members of the Presbytery were appointed to visit or labor 
there. October 17, 1 871, it was dissolved by the Presbytery of 
Westchester, and its members attached to the Hartford 
Church. 

April 29, 1857, a communication was received in refer- 
ence to the establishment of a Presbyterian Church at 
Windham, Conn., and the Presbytery voted to request the 
Board of Domestic Missions to appoint a missionary to that 
field for six months. October 27th following, the Presbytery 
requested the Board to discontinue for the present the sup- 
port of a missionary at that place and appoint a missionary 
for the State, whose duty it should be to look after other 
fields as well. 

In 1857 a secession took place from the Broadway United 



CHURCH EXTENSION. 



149 



Presbyterian Church of Providence, R. I. A church was 
organized. Oct. 27, 1857, on application, it was received 
under the care of the Presbytery and enrolled as " The 
Scotch Presbyterian Church." Rev. James Gubby was ap- 
pointed stated supply and recommended to the Board of 
Domestic Missions for appointment as missionary to that 
field. A call was extended to him early in 1858 and 
accepted. He was not installed, and at the October meeting 
the call was returned. It was directed that he should cease 
to be stated supply and that arrears of salary should be 
paid, December 2, 1858, Rev. George A. Magee was recom- 
mended to the Board as missionary. How long he labored 
there we do not know. He was dismissed to the Presbytery 
of Lewes, April 25, i860. The church disappeared, and 
some of its members returned to the body from which they 
came. 

A church, later connected with the Presbytery of Con- 
necticut, was organized without its assistance. The Second 
or South Congregational Church of Bridgeport, Conn., 
in 1853, " became divided in opinion as to questions relating 
on the one hand to matters of church polity, and on the 
proper course to be pursued in providing for their pastor 
[Nathaniel Hewit], then beginning to feel the infirmities of 
age." Eighty-one persons received letters of dismission, 
and on October 16th organized a new church. On the 19th 
application was made to the Presbytery of New York to be 
received under their care. That body met in Bridgeport on 
the 31st, enrolled the First Presbyterian Church, and in- 
stalled Dr. Hewit as its first pastor. 

Notwithstanding the efforts put forth in the way of 
church extension, the growth of Presbyterianism within the 
bounds of the Presbytery did not meet the expectations en- 
tertained at its birth. In 1855, when the question of re- 
arrangement of the boundaries of Presbyteries in the Synod 
of New York was brought to the attention of Presbytery of 
Connecticut, there were nine ministers and three churches 
on the roll. One of the churches, Tariffville, lived only in 



150 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 

name. Apparently it was asked — What shall be done with 
the weak Presbytery of Connecticut ? October 3, 1855, it an- 
swered for itself by voting unanimously in favor of its own 
continuance and strengthening by setting off to them of 
churches and pastors. No action seems to have been taken. 
By i860, after an existence of ten years, the rolls showed 
nine ministers still and five churches — Thompsonville, 
Hartford, Deep River, Tariffville, and Providence. Of these 
only the first was self-supporting, and the names of the last 
two might have been dropped without even a sense of loss. 
October 3, i860, Rev. Carson W. Adams offered the fol- 
lowing resolution : 

" Resolved, That the Synod of New York be requested to dissolve this 
Presbytery and permit its members and churches to join such Presbytery 
as each may elect." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 122.] 

An overture, adopted on the recommendation of a com- 
mittee to which the resolution was referred, shows that the 
five ministers and one elder believed that there was no im- 
mediate prospect of growth within its bounds, and that en- 
largement must come from without by the annexation of 
churches. The overture is as follows : 

" The Presbytery of Connecticut would respectfully overture the Synod 
of New York. 

" 1. So to re-arrange the bounds of said Presbytery as to include therein a 
larger number of ministers and churches ; or (in case the Synod should not 
deem it expedient to do this) 

" 2. To dissolve the Presbytery and allow its ministers to connect them- 
selves with such Presbyteries as may be to them most convenient." [Records 
of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 123.] 

The answer of the Synod was the transfer of five 
churches — Bridgeport from the Presbytery of New York, 
and Rye, Port Chester, South East, and South East Center, 
from the Presbytery of Bedford — with their pastors — Na- 
thaniel Hewit, Edward D. Bryan, Henry Benedict, George 
T. Goodhue, and Winthrop Bailey. The Presbytery now 
numbered fourteen ministers and ten churches. The Pres- 
bytery of Bedford, as has been shown, was dissatisfied with 
the change. Some of the transferred churches might have 



UNION WITH THE BEDFORD PRESBYTERY. 1 5 I 

shared in this dissatisfaction. Certainly a committee was 
appointed October 17, 1862, " to represent the Presbytery, 
in case application should be made by the church of South 
East Center of the Synod to be restored to the Presbytery 
of Bedford ; and the committee were authorized to urge 
a union with the Presbytery of Bedford, should that applica- 
tion be made. 

This union was ordered by the Synod October 23, 1862, 
to take effect on the third Tuesday of April following. By 
this union eleven ministers — Epenetus P. Benedict, William 
Patterson, Andrew Shiland, Samuel D. Westervelt, David 
Teese, Aaron L. Linclsley, Peter B. Heroy, Henry W. 
Smuller, Augustus H. Seeley, Richard H. Richardson, and 
Thomas S. Bradner — and eleven churches — Patterson, 
South Salem, Yorktown, Bedford, North Salem, Mt. Kisco, 
Gilead, Red Mills, Croton Falls, White Plains, and Pound 
Ridge — were added to the rolls, so that in April, 1863, the 
Presbytery numbered twenty-four ministers and twenty-one 
churches. The union of these Presbyteries seems to have 
been to most satisfactory. There is one exception; Rev. 
Thomas S. Childs,' April 20, 1865, introduced an overture to 
the Synod for a division of the Presbytery and a recon- 
stituting of the Presbyteries of Bedford and Connecticut. 
On October 4th following, it was voted to be inexpedient. 

Church extension was not pushed very vigorously by the 
enlarged Presbytery, probably because no opportunities pre- 
sented themselves. The petitioners for a church at Brewster's 
Station had been referred by the Presbytery of Bedford to 
the Presbytery of Connecticut. The latter, October 16, 
1 86 1, appointed the Sessions of the churches of South East 
and South East Center, as those most interested, a com- 
mittee to " concert some arrangements that may harmonize 
the interests of the people at that station and the churches 
above named." What was done is not recorded. About six 
months later, April 23, 1862, the Sessions of these churches 
were directed to supply Brewster's Station with preaching. 
We have no notice of any further action on part of the 
Presbytery of Connecticut. 



152 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



May 10, 1865, a request was received for the organiza- 
tion of a German Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport, Conn. 
A committee was appointed for the purpose, which dis- 
charged that duty in August. The church did not prosper. 
A committee appointed to look after the enterprise reported, 
October 6, 1869, that it was virtually disbanded, owing to 
internal dissensions and other causes, and that, as the Ger- 
man Reformed Church had been revised, its existence was 
no longer a necessity, and recommended that it be dissolved. 
The report was adopted and the church dissolved. 

Several attempts were made to unite weak congrega- 
tions, which were contiguous, in one self-supporting church, 
or for the joint support of a single pastor. The South East 
Church, once one of the strongest congregations in the 
Presbytery, had been weakened by removals and the organi- 
zation of the South East Center Church. After Mr. 
McLeod's death they were no longer able to support a pas- 
tor. It became necessary to secure aid from the Board of 
Domestic Missions. April 22, 1863, a committee was ap- 
pointed to endeavor to bring about a union between this 
church and the one at the Center. They reported at the 
next stated meeting that it was inexpedient at that time. 
The churches at Croton Falls and North Salem both re- 
quired aid. An effort was made to unite them in October, 

1863. The committee to visit them reported, April 20, 

1864, that the way was not open for the proposed union. 
The church at Croton Falls was situated but a short dis- 
tance from that of Somers, from which it had separated 
through the division of 1837. The latter was under the 
care of the Presbytery of North River (N.S.) It was pro- 
posed to unite these churches. A committee from that 
body, consisting of Rev. E. G. Cobb and Elder Edward 
Wells, appeared at a meeting at Bedford, October 4, 1865, 
and expressed "their friendly and fraternal sentiments" in 
view of it. The following minute was adopted : 

" Whereas, the committee appointed by the Presbytery of North River 
has communicated to us some action pertaining to the union of the churches 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



153 



of Somerstown and Croton Falls taken at their last meeting : We cordially 
reciprocate the Christian candor and courtesy with which this action has been 
communicated to us ; and further, this body will rejoice in any union between 
said churches which may be consistent with the desire and welfare of both." 
[Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, pp. 258-9.] 

A committee was appointed to visit the church at Croton 
Falls. At the next meeting the committee reported in part. 
The union was never consummated. 

The Reunion of 1869 brought about changes in the 
Presbyteries. The Presbytery of Connecticut gave place to 
the . Presbytery of Westchester, which was erected by the 
Synod of New York June 21, 1870. At its dissolution the 
former numbered twenty-nine ministers and twenty-one 
churches. 



20 



CHAPTER XVI. 



The Presbytery of Connecticut continued. 

THE spiritual condition of the churches is shown by the 
statistical reports and the narratives. Unfortunately, 
the latter were not entered upon the minutes from 1859 to 
1867 inclusive. There seems to have been no general 
revival, unless the unusually large number of additions by 
examination (192) reported in 1867 indicates it. From the 
narratives and other reliable sources we learn of special 
works of grace in individual churches. Tariffville reported, 
October, 185 1, twenty-one additions, fifteen on profession; 
Thompsonville in 1858 received seventy, only sixteen by 
certificate; and Yorktown in 1868 and 1869 forty-three, 
seven by letter. In October, 1869, additions of nineteen 
and twenty were reported. During the entire history of 
the Presbytery 927 were added on examination and 613 on 
certificate, making a total of 1540 additions. Sabbath- 
schools were maintained in all the churches. Presbyterial 
visitations were held at irregular intervals, beginning with 
the winter of 1858-9. The sins of which special mention 
is made are the same which were reported to previous Pres- 
byteries — Sabbath desecration and intemperance. 

An overture was received April 19, 1865, from the Ses- 
sion of the Bedford Church on "the traffic in milk on the 
Sabbath," and was referred to a special committee, who re- 
ported on May 10th following, deprecating the evil, present- 
ing the arguments against it, and recommending that the 
commissioners to the General Assembly be instructed to 
bring the report to the attention of that body, and ask such 
action as will lead to its suppression. The report was 



Statistical reports. 



adopted and presented to the Assembly of 1865. It was 
referred to a special committee, which reported in 1867. 
After discussion it was 

" Resolved, That in view of the difficulties by which this subject is 
encompassed, it is inexpedient at present to make any deliverance thereon." 
[Minutes of General Assembly (O. S.), 1867, p. 316.] 

The Presbytery was not satisfied with the result, and it 
was voted to appoint a committee to prepare a new memorial 
and suggest a remedy. The committee does not seem to 
have been appointed. No further action was taken. 



STATISTICAL REPORTS. 



Year. 



No. of Added. Total Sabbath-School 

Churches. Examination. Certificate. Communicants. Membership. 



1851 
1852 
1853 
1854 
1855 
1856 

1857 
1858 

1859 
i860 
1861 
1862 
1863 
1864 
1865 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 



No report. 




10 36 29 823 575 

10 22 48 803 640 

21 52 39 1843 1066 

21 78 32 1785 1212 

21 63 38 1780 1247 

22 43 61 1817 1282 
22 192 63 2014 1508 
22 89 60 2018 1424 
22 76 59 2000 1 513 
21 80 58 1930 1545 



3 14 5 287 no 

4 18 4 321 226 



2 23 1 238 

3 3 6 35 2 99 
3 2 4 14 3 2 7 
3 *9 17 242 
3 9 13 240 



Total, 927 613 



156 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



CONTRIBUTIONS. 



Totis,$ 



6 7 
28 

35 
27 

5 

25 

No re 

53 
45 
222 
176 
651 
676 
791 
921 
1,264 
1,052 
1,496 
1,708 



9,282 



16 

60 
5 2 

3 2 
28 

39 
port. 

77 
65 
215 
232 
977 
1,048 
1,568 
1,608 
1,718 
1,905 

2,379 
2,289 



t44©3 



#25 
5 



35 
78 
127 

M7 
202 
240 
342 
820 
909 
849 
565 
1,170 



5,5i' 



35 
45 
15 
12 

5 
5 



72 
62 
261 

254 
276 

433 

68 

41 

45 6 
748 



3> 8l 4 



41 
21 

82 
205 
152 

649 
287 
3i5 
35o 
530 



2,645 



$54 



201 

3" 
231 
427 
5i7 
552 
325 
473 570 



$400 



3.09 1 



970 



$13 
16 



17 



5 1 



#125 
123 

1 S9 
157 
*59 



723 



$261 



261 



$1,300 

905 
1,100 

4,500 
5>5°°j 
3>5°° 
2,450 



3,G5o 

3»30o 
9,410 

9,635 
13,426 
29,662 
23,588 
27,112 

33>3!8 
29,788 
30,094 
40,715 



72,353 



21,326 



Total Specified Benevolent Contributions, - - ... $39,719 
" Presbyterial, Commissioners and Contingent Funds and Gen- 
eral Assembly, ------ I »°35 

" Congregational, - ...... 272,353 

" Miscellaneous, - - - - - - 21,326 



Total for all purposes reported, - - - - $334,433 



Overtures in favor of reunion with the New School 
Branch of the Presbyterian Church were presented to the 
General Assembly as early as 1862. Resolutions express- 
ing fraternal feeling and the hope that such a union should 
be consummated were adopted by the next Assembly. 
In April, 1866, the Presbytery referred to a special commit- 



* Presbyterial includes collections for Commissioners and Contingent Funds, 
and for Relief. 



REUNION OF 1869. 



157 



tee " the proposed action of the next General Assembly on 
the following subjects : First, In reference to the churches 
of the South, and the Assembly's previous action on the 
state of the country. Second, In reference to the proposed 
union with the New School Church. And Third, In refer- 
ence to the report of the Committee on Appellate Courts." 
On the second subject, on the recommendation of the com- 
mittee, the following minute was adopted : 

" In regard to union with the other branch of the church, this Presbytery 
earnestly desires the union of all the Presbyterian Bodies in this country, pro- 
vided this union can be effected without compromising in any way either the 
doctrines or the order of the church as they are prescribed in the Confession 
of Faith of the Presbyterian Church. In order practically to test the matter 
of union with the other branch, this Presbytery is in favor of the appointment 
of a committee by the Assembly, consisting of the most judicious ministers 
and elders of the church, to confer with a similar committee, if such should be 
appointed by the other Assembly, and report upon the whole matter to some 
subsequent Assembly." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 273.] 

In May of the same year (1866) overtures were sent up 
to the General Assembly from the Presbyteries of Leaven- 
worth, Muncie, New Lisbon, Madison, Erie, and Oxford, re- 
questing that measures be taken at that session to secure at 
an early day the organic union of the Old and New School 
bodies. It was voted to appoint a committee of nine minis- 
ters and six elders, provided that a similar committee be ap- 
pointed by the New School Assembly, to confer "on the 
desirableness and practicability of reunion, and if, after con- 
ference and inquiry, such reunion shall seem desirable and 
practicable, to suggest suitable measures for its accomplish- 
ment, and report to the next General Assembly." 

The committee reported to the next General Assembly 
(1867) a document adopted by the joint committee, entitled 
"Proposed Terms of Reunion." The report was accepted 
and ordered to be published for the consideration of churches 
and Presbyteries, and the committee was continued. This 
action was brought to the attention of the Presbytery at the 
Fall Stated Meeting by the committee on the minutes of the 
General Assembly, and was referred to a special committee. 



iS8 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



On their recommendation the following minute was unani- 
mously adopted : 

" The Presbytery cordially sympathizes with the earnest desire for reun- 
ion with the other branch of the Presbyterian Church, expressed by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of 1866, reaffirmed by the Assembly of 1867. Having carefully 
considered the basis adopted by the Joint Committee, the Presbytery feels 
constrained to dissent from some of its provisions. 

" 1. We object to the relation of the theological schools of the other 
branch as being in a great measure independent of ecclesiastical control. 

" 2. But especially to the doctrinal basis, as being too vague, and liable 
to a latitudinarian construction. 

"3. We venture, with great diffidence, to recommend that if a more defi- 
nite and satisfactory statement of doctrinal views cannot be obtained, a close 
alliance be effected between the two branches, aiming to secure a cordial co- 
operation in all measures for promoting the advancement of the kingdom of 
Christ in our land, and throughout the world, in the hope that an ultimate and 
indissoluble union may be accomplished. May God hasten it in his time ! " 
[Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 322.] 

The Committee on Reunion reported to the General As- 
sembly of 1868 an amended Basis of Union. The report 
was accepted, the " Terms of Reunion " approved, and 
sent them down to the Presbyteries for their action. The 
Presbytery at the Fall Stated Meeting, October 7, 1868, 
adopted the following resolutions : 

" Resolved, I, That this Presbytery approve the Basis of Reunion sub- 
mitted to the Presbyteries by the last General Assembly. 

" Resolved, 2, That we would prefer in the first [doctrinal] article of the 
Basis, leaving out the following words, viz. : "It being understood that the 
Confession is received in its historical, that is, the Calvinistic or Reformed 
sense. It is also understood that the various methods of viewing, stating, ex- 
plaining and illustrating the doctrines of the Confession, which do not impair 
the integrity of the Reformed or Calvinistic system, are to be freely allowed in 
the united church, as they have been in the separate churches." [Records of 
the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 357.] 

The ayes and noes were called for on the first resolution, 
with the following result : 

Ayes — Ministers, Benedict, Patterson, Shiland, Adams, 
Baird, Hinsdale, Cochran, and Johnston ; Elders, W. Fisher 
(White Plains), Joshua Teller (Mt. Kisco), E. Raymond 
(Bedford), James Anderson (Thompsonville), Albert Cham- 
berlain (Croton Falls), W. P. Van Rensselaer (Rye), J. O. 
Eggleston (North Salem), C. B. Pudney (Patterson) — 16. 



REUNION OF 1869. 



159 



Noes — Ministers, Smuller, Perry, Mundy, and J. Aspin- 
wall Hodge ; Elders, E. Bouton (South Salem), W. H. 
Travis (Gilead), James Purdy (Yorktown), and Ephraim 
Sours (Port Chester) — 8. 

The second was adopted unanimously. 

The General Assembly of 1869 met in New York on 
May 20th. The vote of the Presbyteries, as reported by 
the Stated Clerk, rejected the Basis by a large majority, 
largely on the ground of disapproval of the doctrinal article 
with its qualifying clauses. The great majority were in 
favor of union " on terms that will not override the Confes- 
sion of Faith with any special stipulations." The doctrinal 
article was amended to meet these objections, and it was 
ordered that an overture should be sent down to the Presby- 
teries, which were directed to meet on or before October 15th, 
and express their approval or disapproval by a categorical 
answer to the following question : 

" Do you approve of the reunion of the two bodies now claiming the 
name and right of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America 
on the following basis, namely : 

" The reunion shall be effected on the doctrinal and ecclesiastical basis of 
our common Standards ;' the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments shall 
be acknowledged to be the inspired word of God, and the only infallible rule 
of faith and practice ; the Confession of Faith shall continue to be sincerely 
received and adopted as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy 
Scriptures ; and the Government and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church 
in the United States shall be approved as containing the principles and rules 
of our polity?" [Minutes of the General Assembly (O. S.), pp. 914-15.] 

The Presbyteries were directed to forward their answers 
to the Stated Clerk before November ist. The Assembly 
adjourned to meet in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., on the 
second Wednesday of November. The Presbytery of Con- 
necticut at the Fall Stated Meeting held at South East 
Center, N. Y., October 6th, answered the overture "unani- 
mously in the affirmative," twenty ministers and fourteen 
elders voting. Rev. Epenetus Benedict led in prayer " in 
view of the result of the vote." 

The Assembly met according to adjournment. It was 



i6o 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



found that of the one hundred and forty-four Presbyteries, 
one hundred and twenty-six answered in the affirmative, and 
only three in the negative. A communication was received 
from the New School Assembly that all the Presbyteries of 
that branch of the church had answered in the affirmative. 
Friday, November 12, 1869, the Basis of the Reunion was 
declared to be of binding force, and the two branches of the 
church, after thirty-two years of separation, became one. 

The Reunion very much increased the number of com- 
missioners to the General Assembly. Consequently the 
question of representation came up for consideration. The 
Presbytery of Connecticut, April 19, 1870, at what proved to 
be their last meeting, expressed their views in the following 
resolutions : 

"Resolved, 1, That the Presbytery of Connecticut is unqualifiedly op- 
posed to the radical change proposed by the Committee on Reconstruction as 
to the constitution of the General Assembly, viz. : that it be composed of dele- 
gates from the Synods, instead, as always heretofore, from Presbyteries. 

" Resolved, 2, That it is our judgment that the basis of representation 
should be, not the number of ministers belonging to a Presbytery, but the 
number of pastoral charges therein. 

" Resolved, 3, That Presbytery expresses its acquiescence in the other 
recommendations of the committee, save that the constitutional change pro- 
posed with reference to the last number of members necessary to constitute a 
Presbytery be altered to read thus, five ministers having charge of congrega- 
tions." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 428.] 

At the stated meeting of October, 1864, the Presbytery 
felt called upon to place upon record resolutions on the state 
of the country. 

" Without encroaching upon the domain of partizan politics, and viewing 
existing facts as related to the advancement of that kingdom which is drawing 
all nations into itself, and which shall endure forever, 

" The Presbytery of Connecticut, deeply impressed with the vast interests 
at stake in the solemn crisis through which our nation is passing, would hereby 
spread upon its minutes the expression of its loyalty to the civil powers which 
God has ordained in these United States, and to which His Word commands 
every soul to be subject. 

" While we deplore the evils of the war caused by an unprovoked Rebel- 
lion, we heartily desire its success in the triumph of our Government, and in 
the utter defeat of treason and conspiracy, so that Rebellion may be henceforth 
and forever hopeless in our land. 



DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 



161 



" We cannot but rejoice in the removal of the institution of slavery by the 
war power vested in the Executive of our national Government, thereby 
removing a local evil which in time of peace was protected by constitutional 
enactments ; and we admire that Providence which is thus destroying an evil, 
the security and perpetuation of which were the declared objects of this Re- 
bellion." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 218.] 

The Presbytery was in session in Bridgeport, April 19, 
1865, the day upon which the funeral of President Lincoln 
took place. At the hour appointed for the funeral the Pres- 
bytery engaged in religious services. The following minute 
was adopted : 

" r. That while this unparalleled crime justly excites universal detesta- 
tion and horror, the moral 'causes which have rendered it possible should 
awaken the profoundest scrutiny of the people of these States. 

" 2. That without attempting to enumerate all the causes, the committee 
cannot refrain from calling attention to the spirit of insubordination to civil 
authority, and the consequent disrespect to the administrators of that authority, 
which have obtained a wide spread and baleful influence, originating in the 
neglect of the salutary restraints which all history shows, and the Word 
of God enjoins, should be imposed upon the passions of childhood and youth, 
and thence producing the natural fruit of contempt of the obligations of law 
and its sanctions, involving in that contempt the executors of the law from the 
lowest to the highest — and abounding in the mutual abuse of political parties, 
the substance of harangues in the presence of the people, pervading the 
newspaper press, penetrating the halls of legislation, and even invading the 
sanctity of the judicature and the pulpit ; and thence by a terrible reaction 
falling upon the young men of our land, who speedily learn the lessons of 
political profligacy and dishonor. 

" 3. That the age of the supposed perpetrator of the crime and of his 
accessories, calls public attention to the state of morals alarmingly prevalent 
among large classes of young men, who resort to places of criminal amuse- 
ment, and who while contracting habits of expensive vice, soon cast off all re- 
straints of honor and religion, and become capable of every crime ; and that 
the Providence of God speaks, through the unheard-of atrocity, with unequivo- 
cal admonition to the teachers and guardians of the young. 

"4. That as Abraham Lincoln was, by the overwhelming voice of the 
American people, the chief representative of the Union, of free institutions, 
and of the national determination to extirpate the evil system which has im- 
perilled the nation : — so the assassins of our beloved President may be justly 
regarded as the representative of the spirit of the rebellion, and of the culmi- 
nation of that spirit, which is a spirit of intolerance, cruelty and brutality. 

" 5. That while we bow with broken hearts to the rod which has deprived 
this nation of its wise, patriotic, and honored Chief Magistrate, we express 
our undiminished faith in Almighty God, through His Son Jesus Christ, the 
21 



l62 



THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 



Sovereign Lord and King of Nations, believing that He has mercies and 
blessings in reserve for our country, transcending all that He hath wrought for 
us hitherto ; and we earnestly invite our people to implore our covenant God 
to forgive the sins which have brought down His judgments upon us, and to 
pour out His Spirit upon our whole country, that the wastes which war 
has made may bloom again, broken ties be reunited, sorrows consoled, our 
stricken country restored to perpetual peace and prosperity, and the kingdom 
of our Lord universally promoted and acknowledged." [Records of the Pres- 
bytery of Connecticut, pp. 231-3.] 

The General Assembly of 1865 prescribed terms, upon 
which ministers and communicants, who had taken part in 
the Rebellion, should be readmitted to our Presbyteries and 
churches, and gave direction to the Board of Domestic Mis- 
sions in relation to the employment of missionaries in the 
South. This action excited much discussion. April 18, 
1866, the Presbytery expressed its approval. 

" 1. The repeal, or essential modification of the deliverances of the As- 
sembly of 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, on the State of the Country, 
on Slavery, and the sin of Rebellion, we regard as not only inexpedient, but 
altogether wrong, contrary to history, and opposed to the word of God. 

" 2. In relation to the directions given to Presbyteries, prescribing terms 
of re-admission to members who had voluntarily aided the Rebellion, we do 
not hesitate to affirm that the principle which guided the Assembly's action is 
correct; since the Church is solemnly bound to examine into and determine 
the qualifications of its members, both lay and clerical, according to the Word 
of God. 

"3. If it is found that the Assembly's directions to the Board of Domes- 
tic Missions in relation to the employment of ministers in the Southern States 
are liable to be construed into the permission of that Board to exercise Presby- 
terial functions, we respectfully suggest that the liability to such a construction 
should be removed. 

" 4. Inasmuch as the deliverances of the last General Assembly have been 
misrepresented by opposers, and misconstrued by others, we venture to 
suggest the expediency of such a declaration by the approaching Assembly as 
will remove all misconception of the intent and meaning of the last Assem- 
bly's action, and take away from its opposers the weapons they are wielding to 
wound Christ in the house of His friends." [Records of the Presbytery of 
Connecticut, pp. 272-3.] 



officers. 
Permanent Officers.' 



STATED CLERKS. 

Name. 

1. Rev. Robert G. Thompson, \ 

2. " Thomas S. Childs, 

3. " Charles W. Baird, 

4. " William Patterson, 

5. " Charles W. Baird, 

6. " Valentine A. Lewis, 

7. . " Ezra F. Mundy, 

TREASURERS. 

Name. 

1. Rev. James Ely, 

2. u Charles W. Baird, 

3. Elder John Palmer, 

4. Rev. Valentine A. Lewis, 

5. " Ezra F. Mundy, 

HISTORIAN. 

Name. 

1. Rev. Charles W. Baird, 



Appointed. 
October 29, 1850 
April 27, 1853. 
October 2, 1861. 
April 21, 1863. 
October 7, 1863. 
April 17, 1867. 
October 1, 1867. 



Appointed. 
October 29, 1850 
October 16, 1861 
April 21, 1863. 
April 17, 1867. 
October 1, 1867. 



Appointed. 
October 2, 1867. 



The salary of the Stated Clerk was raised, October 
1867, from $10 to $20 per annum. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



The Presbytery of Westchester. 

THE Reunion made many changes necessary. Presby- 
teries covered the same territory, and in some cases 
were known by the same names. The Synod of New York, 
at a meeting held June, 1870, rearranged the Presbyteries, 
assigning as far as practicable definite geographical bound- 
aries. The Presbytery of Westchester was erected June 
21, 1870. The following is the action of the Synod :• 

"It is ordered — That the churches, with their pastors, and all the minis- 
ters resident or in active work in the Counties of Westchester and Putnam 
(with the exception of the church at Cold Spring), and in the State of Connecti- 
cut, be the Presbytery of Westchester, to meet in the Presbyterian Church in Sing 
Sing on the 4th day of October next at 3 o'clock p. m., and to be opened with 
a sermon by the Rev. Charles W. Baird, or in his absence by the Rev. John N. 
Freeman ; and the Presbytery of Westchester is hereby declared to be the 
successor of the Presbytery of Connecticut, and as such entitled to the posses- 
sion and enjoyment of all the rights and franchises, and liable to the perform- 
ance of all the duties of the said Presbytery." [Records of the Presbytery of 
Westchester, vol. I, p. 3.] 

The churches within the territory assigned to the new 
Presbytery had been under the care of three New School 
and three Old School Presbyteries. Two — Peekskill, 2d, 
and Somers, belonged to the Presbytery of North River 
(N. S.) ; five — Yonkers, 1st, Stamford, 1st, Irvington, Tre- 
mont, and Westminster, to the New York Third ; three — 
New Rochelle, Riverdale, and Darien, to the New York 
Fourth; one — Throgg's Neck, to the Presbytery of New 
York; four — West Farms, Peekskill, 1st, Sing Sing, and 
Greenburgh, to the New York Second ; and the remainder 
to the Presbytery of Connecticut. 



ROLL OF* MINISTERS. 



165 



Roll of Ministers. 



Name. 
Samuel H. Cox, 
Chauncey G. Lee, 
Daniel W. Lathrop, 
James Ely, 

William Patterson, P., 
Dwight M. Seward, 
David M. Halliday, 
Robert D. Gardner, 
William Huntting, 
Peter B. Heroy, P., 
Andrew Shiland, P., 
Charles E. Lindsley, 
Wilson Phraner, P., 
Carson W. Adams, S.S., 
Charles W. Baird, P., 
James Baird, P., 
William Life, 
Horace G. Hinsdale, P., 
Thomas M. Gray, P., 
S. S., 
S.S., 
S. S., 
Ezra F. Mundy, P., 
Talmon C. Perry, 
J. Aspinwall Hodge, P., 
C. H. Halloway, S. S., 
E. Bailey Smith, S. S., 
George Nixon, P., 

Alex. S. Twombly, P., 
James McDougall, Jr., 
Charles B. Dye, S. S., 
A. W. Macoubrey, P., 
P., 
S. S., 

Henry F. Lee, P., 
Daniel S. Gregory, P., 
Nelson Millard, P., 
T. M. Niven, Jr., P., 
Alexander Nesbit, P., 
George M. Boynton, 
James W. Coleman, P., 
P. E., 



Church. 



Pound Ridge, 



Bedford, 
Mt. Kisco, 
(Teacher), 
Sing Sing, 
Mahopac Falls, 

Rye, 

Patterson, 
(Teacher), 
Bridgeport, ist, 
South Salem, 
North Salem, 
(New Lebanon, N. Y. 
North Salem, 
Port Chester, 

Hartford, 
North Salem, 
(Enfield, Conn.), 
West Farms, 
Tremont, 
Stamford, ist, 

Somers, 

South East Center, 
New Rochelle, 
South East Center, 
Thompsonville, 
South Salem, 
Peekskill, 2d, 
Greenburgh, 
Tremont, 

Darien, 

New Haven, ist, 



Enrolled. 
Oct. 4, 1870, *Oct. 2, 1880 
*Feb. 20, 187 1 
*Mar. 28, 1863 

*Feb. 6,1889 
tOct. 4, 1876 
tjan. 26, 1874 
tOct. 4, 187 1 
tOct. 2, 1883 
*Oct. 16,1878 
tFeb. 23, 187 1 



tFeb. 23, 1871 
*Feb. 10, 1887 
tApr. 21, 1880 

tOct. 3, 1877 
*Dec. 24, 1883 



tjan. 24, 1 88 1 



tApr. 16, 1872 
§Jan. 26, 1874 
|| Oct. 19,1887 

tFeb. 24, 1873 
tApr. 18,1871 
tOct. 7, 1879 
tFeb. 20, 1883 



tNov. 17, 1873 
tOct. 4, 1876 
tjuly 2, 1872 

*Jan. 7, 1875' 
tDec. 10, 1872 
tjan. 18, 1876 



* Died, t Dismissed. | Name dropped. § Deposed. || Transferred by 
Synod to Presbytery of New York. 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Mt. Kisco, 
Irvington, 
Greenwich, 
Gilead, 



(Sing Sing, N. Y.), 
Gilead, 

(New Canaan, Ct.), 



Name. Church. 

37. Roswell D. Smith, 

38. Robert A. Davison, P., Throgg's Neck, 

39. Arthur Potts, P., Potts Mem'l, 

40. James W. Johnston, P., Yorktown, 

41. Homer S. Newcomb, 

42. Lewis W. Mudge, P., Westminster, 

43. John N. Freeman, P., Peekskil], 1st, 

44. Henry H. Stebbins, P., Riverdale, 

45. Wm. J. Thompson, P., Croton Falls, 

46. John Hancock, P., 

47. Rollin A. Sawyer, P., 

S. S. 

48. Faber Byllesby, 

49. Ewd. R. Burkhalter, P., New Rochelle, 

50. T. Ralston Smith, P., Yonkers, 1st, 

51. D. A. Holbrook, Tea., 

52. Daniel D. Sahler, P., 

53. LaFayette Dudley, 

54. Jos. Greenleaf, Jr., P., 

55. George Tomlinson, 

56. Daniel Gibbs, H. R., 

57. Alex. B. Bullions, S. S., Croton Falls, 

58. James B. Bonar, 

59. George A. Bowman, 

60. William Tracey, F. M. (India), 

61. Charles C. Wallace, P., Mahopac Falls, 

62. Thomas C. Steele, P., White Plains, 

63. Edward B. Allen, P., South East, 

64. . Henry M. Baird, Prof., (University, N. Y.), 

65. Frank A. Wood, F. M., (Syria), 

66. Joseph Beers, P., S Croton Falls, 

67. Henry M. Hazeltine, P., 

68. Hugh A. McKelvey, 

69. James Demarest, Jr., P., Peekskill, 2d, 

70. Evert Van Slyke, P., Stamford, 1st, 

71. Valentine A. Lewis, 

72. Isaac Baird, 

73. Donald Fletcher, P., Bethany, 

74. Edgar L. Hermance, P., White Plains, 

75. Charles H. Burr, Jr., P., Riverdale, 

76. Fred. S. Barnum, P., Thompsonville, 

77. Revilo J. Cone, 

78. Robt. A. Blackford, P., Croton Falls, 

79. William H. Smith, 



Enrolled. 



Oct. 4, 



Somers, 
North Salem, 



Oct. 



1870, tOct. 19, 1870 
" tApr. 15, 1884 
" tSep. 9,1875 
" tOct. 2, 1877 
" tjan. 19, 1875 
" tMay 7, 1877 
" tjan. 18, 1876 
" tDec. 28, 1873 
" tDec. 10, 1872 

1870, tAug. 8, 1876 



" tApr. 
Oct. 26, 1870, tAug. 
Feb. 23, 187 1, tApr. 
Apr. 19, 187 1, 

" *Nov. 
" tApr. 
" tjan. 
" *July 
" *Apr. 
11 tOct. 
« tjuly 
" tApr. 
" *Nov. 
June 20, 187 1, tjan. 

" *Mar. 
3,1871, 
4, " 



Oct 
Oct 
Oct. 
Oct, 



24, 



*July 
2, 1872, tjan. 



16, 1872 
8, 1876 

17, 1879 

12, 1882 

15, 1879 

18, 1887 

16, 1876 
7, 1881 
4, 1876 

16, 1877 
25. 1877 
28, 1877 
24, 1881 
29, 1877 



20, 1878 
19, 1875 



Oct. 16, " 
<< « 

Feb. 24, 1873, 
Mar. 3,1873, 

July 22,1873, 

Mar. 5, 1874, 
« << 

Apr. 22, 1874, 
Jan. 19, 1875, 
Apr. 20, 1875, 
June 15, 1875, 



tjuly 24, 1879 

tjuly 20, 1874 
, tOct. 4, 1876 
, tApr. 22, 1874 
tjune 2,1873 
tApr. 21, 1875 
*Apr. 29, 1888 
tjan. 20, 1885 
tjune 12, 1888 
tjan. 16, 1S83 
tApr. 21, 1880 
tOct. 6,1875 



*Died. t Dismissed. 



ROLL OF MINISTERS. 



167 



Church. 
Katonah, 
Bethany, 
Potts Mem'l, 
Peekskill, 2d, 



Name. 

80. John H. Eastman, P., 

81. Gordon Mitchell, P., 

82. L. P. Cummings, P., 

83. Roderick Terry, P., 1 

84. James Morton, 

85. Carson W. Adams, P., 

86. Richard P. H. Vail, P., 

87. Charles E. Lord, 

88. Edward T. Bromfield, 

89. J. Ritchie Smith, P., 

90. Wm. J. dimming, P., 

91. John H. Frazee, P., 

92. Sidney G. Law, 

93. John Dixon, P., 

94. Henry R. Waite, P., 

95. Thomas S. Childs, 

96. H. A. Davenport, P., 

97. George W. Gallagher, 

98. Willis W. Dowd, P., 

99. Spencer L. Finney, 

100. Charles H. Riggs, 

101. Wm. K. Eddy, F. M. f 

102. Geo. W. F. Birch, P., 

103. R. Randall Hoes, P., 

Ch., 

104. G. M. McCampbell, P., 

105. William R. Lord, P., 

106. Charles E. Allison, P., 

107. James H. Hoyt, P., 

108. John Reid, P., 

109. Washington Choate, P. 
no. Willard Scott, P., 
in. George W.Morrill, 

112. Lewis H. Reid, Tea., 

113. James W. Johnston, P.,Mt. Kisco, 

114. Julius L. Danner, S. S., Peekskill, 2d, 

115. CD. Rice, Tea , 

116. Robt. B. Mattice, S. S., Croton Falls, 

117. M. P. Welcher, P., Pleasantville, 

P., South Salem, 

118. Isaac L. Kip, P., ■ Patterson, 

119. A. W. Colver, S. S., Gilead, 

120. Charles J. Collins, Tea., (Rye, N. Y.), 

121. Harris R. Schenck, P., Mahopac Falls, 

P., Mt. Kisco, 

122. E. P. Cleveland, P., Darien, 



West Farms, 
Stamford, 1st, 



Peekskill, 1st, 
Yorktown, 
Mt. Kisco, 

Westminster, 
Hug. Mem'l, 

Bridgeport, 1st, 

Port Chester, 



(Syria), 
Bethany, 
New Rochelle, 
(U. S. N.), 
South Salem, 
Riverdale, 
Dayspring, 
Bedford, 
Yonkers, 1st, 
Irvington, 
West Farms, 

(Lakeville, Ct.), 



Enrolled. 
July 8, 1875, 

Nov. 9, 1875, *Feb. 5» l8 7 8 
" " || Oct. 19, 1887 
" tjune 7, 1881 
Jan. 18, 1876, t Jan. 17,1888 
Apr. 19, " *Aug. 28, 1887 
« <( 

June 20, " tOct. 3,1877 

" tApr. 17, 1878 
June 26, " 
Aug. 8, " 

Apr. 18, 1877, tOct. 21, 1879 

" " tApr. 15, 1879 

Oct. 2, " tjuly 18,1884 

Dec. 4, " tOct. 7, 1884 

Jan. 15, 1878,! Jan. 16, 1883 
<< it 

May 6, " tSep. 6, 1878 
May 8, " 

" " tApr. 21, 1880 
May 8,1878, 
July 11, " 

Oct. 1, " ||Oct. 19, 1878 
Nov. 21, " 

Feb. 25, 1879, tNov. 20, 1882 

Apr. 30, " tApr. 18, 1883 

« «< 

Oct. 8, " 
Oct. 22, " 

Jan. 20, 1880, tOct. 22, 1888 
" tjan. 16, 1883 
Apr. 22, " tOct. 19,1881 
June 15, " tMar. 22, 188 1 
" tOct. 3, 1883 
tOct. 4,1881 



Oct. 5, " 
Oct. 20, " 

Dec. 2, " 



tApr. 21, 1885 



* Died. Dismissed. % Name Dropped. 
Synod to Presbytery of New York. 



Jan. 18, 1881, tNov. 23, 1888 
Apr. 19, " tOct. 3, 1888 
Apr. 20, " tOct. 7, 1885 
June 7, " 

July 7, " tOct. 4, 1882 
Deposed. || Transferred by 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Name. 

123. Daniel N. Freeland, P., 

124. David Murdock, P., 

125. Henry C. Baskerville, 

126. E T. Broomfield, S. S., 

127. Frank V. Mills, F. M., 

128. William B. Waller, P., 

129. Isaac S. Davison, Tea., 

130. Ira S. Dodd, P., 

131. Homer S. Newcomb, 

132. John D. Long, P., 

133. Lyman D. Calkins, P., 

134. Addison D. Madeira,P., 

P. E., 

135. A. R. Macoubrey, S. S., 

S. S., 

136. Charles E. Upson., 

137. Charles P. Fagnani, P., 

138. Elijah W. Green, 

139. Robert P. Gibson, P., 

140. J. Howard Hobbs, P., 

141. Chas. P. Mallery, P. E., 

142. James G. Rodger, P., 

143. Marcus Burr, 

144. Franklin B. Dwight, P., 

145. Marcellus Bowen, Tea., 

Agt., 

146. John S. Allen, P., 

P., 

147. W. Hart Dexter, P., 

P., 

148. Irving E. White, P., 

149. Christopher R. Brown, 

150. Edward C. Moore, P., 

151. Arthur Requa, P., 

152. Andrew B. Morse, 

153. W. W. Whipple, H. R., 

154. John S. Penman, P., 

155. Elias S. Schenck, S. S., 

156. Alexander Miller, P., 

157. Charles S. Lane, P., 

158. Wm. Gardner, F. M., 

159. John E. Bushnell, P., 

160. J. Hendrik de Vries, 

161. Lewis H. Reid, Tea., 

162. A K. Strong, S. S., 

163. John H. Trussell, S. S., 

164. William Y. Brown, P., 

165. John F. Lynn, P., 



Church. 
Hug. Mem'l, 
Peekskill, 2d, 

Darien, 

New Rochelle, 
(Yonkers, N. Y.), 
Riverdale, 

West Farms, 
South Salem, 
Mt. Kisco, 

(Independence, Mo.), 
South East Center, 
(San Mateo, Fla.), 

Westminster, 

Croton Falls, 
Greenwich, 1st, 
West Farms, 
New Haven, 1st, 

Sing Sing, 
(Hartford, Ct.), 
(Constantinople), 
Throgg's Neck, 
Patterson, 
South East Centre, 
Thompsonville, 
Peekskill, 2d, 

Westminster, 
Darien, 



Irvington, 
North Salem, 
Mahopac Falls, 
Mt. Vernon, 1st, 
(Corea), 
Rye, 

(Hartford, Ct), 
Gilead, 

South East Center, 

Portchester, 

Pleasantville, 



Enrolled. 

Oct. 9, 18S1. 
Apr. 19, 1882, 
June 20, " tOct. 



4, 1SS2 
4, 1SS2 



Oct. 4, " tOct 
Jan. 16, 1S83, 
Apr. 18, " 

" || Oct. 19, 18S7 
Oct. 3, « 

Jan. 15, 18S4, tOct. 6, 1885 
Apr. 16, " tApr. 21, 1886 
Oct. 7,1884, 



Jan. 15, 1884, tOct. 

Jan. 20, 1885, tOct. 

Mar. 9, " 

Apr. 21, " tjuly 

Apr. 22, " 

July 22, " 

Oct. 8, " ||Oct. 

Jan. 19, 1886, 

Apr. 20, " t June 

H «< 



May 13, " 
June 15, " 



Oct. 5, 1886, 
Oct. 6, " fjan. 
Jan. 24, 1887, 
Apr. 19, " 
June 21, " 
June 29, " 
Oct. 4, " 
Jan. 17, 1888, 
Mar. 29, M 
Apr. 18, " 
June 12, " 
June 19, " 
Oct. 3, " 
Jan. 15,1889, 



6, 1887 
5, 1S56 

7, 1885 

19, 1887 
15, 1886 



1, 1889 



Feb. 13, 
May 15, 



*Died. 



f Dismissed. 



ORDAINED. 



169 



The Presbytery began its existence with the names 
of forty-five ministers on its rolls, of whom twenty-four were 
pastors and two stated supplies. Ninety-four ministers were 
received from other ecclesiastical bodies, twenty-five were 
ordained, making a total of one hundred and sixty-three. 
Seventeen — Chauncey G. Lee, Alexander Nesbitt, George 
Tomlinson, Thomas C. Steele, William Tracy, Gordon 
Mitchell, Frank A. Wood, Peter B. Heroy, Samuel Hanson 
Cox, Daniel Gibbs, Daniel D. Sahler, Daniel W. Lathrop, 
Thomas M. Gray, Charles W. Baird, Carson W. Adams, 
Edgar L. Heermance, and William Patterson — have been 
called to their reward. Eighty-two were dismissed. The 
name of one, James Baird, who had applied for admission to 
the ministry of the Protestant-Episcopal Church without 
regular dismission from the Presbytery, was dropped from 
the roll. E. Bailey Smith united with the Catholic Apos- 
tolic Church, and was deposed from the ministry for holding 
heretical and schismatical views. Five were transferred by 
the Synod, with the concurrence of the Presbytery, to 
the Presbytery of New York. There are on the roll the 
names of fifty-nine ministers. 

Ordained. 

Name. Date. 

1. Edward R. Burkhalter, October 6, 1870. 

2. Thomas C. Steele, June 20, 187 1. 

3. Frank A. Wood, October 24, 187 1. 

4. Isaac Baird, March 3, 1873. 

5. Donald Fletcher, - - - ... July 22, 1873. 

6. Charles H. Burr, Jr., March 5, 1874. 

7. John H. Eastman, July 8, 1875. 

8. Roderic Terry, - - -' - - November 9, 1875. 

9. J. Ritchie Smith, June 26, 1876. 

10. William J. Cumming, August 8, 1876. 

11. George W. Gallagher, - - - / - - May 6, 1878. 

12. William K. Eddy, - - - t - - - July 11, 1878. 

13. William R. Lord, - - - - - April 30, 1879. 

14. Charles E. Allison, - - - - April 30, 1879. 

15. Manfred P. Welcher, December 2, 1880. 

16. Harris R. Schenck, June 7, 1881. 

17. Edwards P. Cleveland, July 7,1881.. 

18. Elijah W. Green, April 21, 1885. 

22 



170 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Name. Date. 

19. J. Howard Hobbs, July 22, 1885. 

20. John S. Allen, - May 13, 1886. 

21. W. Hart Dexter, June 15, 1886. 

22. Arthur Requa, January 24, 1887. 

23. John S. Perman, June 29, 1887. 

24. William Gardner, April 18, 1888. 

25. J. Hendrick de Vries, June 19, 1888. 

26. John F. Lynn, May 15, 1889. 

Licensed. 

I. Henry J. Owen, April 19, 187 1. 

• 2. Frank A. Wood, ------- « 

3. Isaac Baird, April 16, 1872. 

4. Charles Wood, « 

5. William Smith, October 2, 1872. 

6. William R. Terrett, April 16, 1873. 

7. Israel N. Terry, April 22, 1874. 

8. Peter M. MacDonald, - - - - - " " 

9. Alexander Scotland, April 25, 1877. 

10. James Fitzpatrick, " " 

11. George W. Gallagher, " " 

12. William K. Eddy, - - - - _ - - June 19, 1877. 

13. *Arthur G. Rodgers, January 15, 1878. 

14. William H. Sybrandt, April 17, 1878. 

15. Frederick Johnston, April 17, 1879. 

16. Allan W. Draper, 

17. Edwards P. Cleveland, April 20, 1881. 

18. William S. Kelsey, April 19, 1882. 

19. Eugene W. Lyttle, " " 

20. Frank H. Hays, ------- 

21. Matoon M. Curtis, April 18, 1883. 

22. John Montgomery, " " 

23. Elijah W. Green, April 16, 1884. 

24. J. Howard Hobbs, " " 

25. William Gardner, April 21, 1886. 

26. Arthur Requa, - - - - - April 21, 1886. 

27. James W. Dow, April 20, 1887. 

28. John Dunlap, 

29. James K. Phillips, ....--« 

30. Hugh Lenox Hodge, - - - - - June 12, 1888. 

31. Richard Morse Hodge, - - - - " " 

32. Charles Lyman Carhart, .... April 17, 1889. 

33. John F. Lynn, - - - - - " " 
Candidates, 45. 



* License recalled Oct. 17, 1878. 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 



Name. 

1. Bedford, 

2. Bridgeport, ist, 

3. Red Mills, 
Carmel, 1st, 
Mahopac Falls, 



4. Croton Falls, 



5. Darien, 



6. Deep River, 

7. Gilead, 



8. Hartford, ist, 

9. Greenburgh, 2d, 

Irvington, 



Roll of Churches. 

Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 
Oct. 4, 1870, Peter B. Heroy, P., 
James H. Hoyt, P., 
Horace G. Hinsdale, P., 
Henry A. Davenport, P., 
" " Carson W. Adams, S. S., 

Charles C. Wallace, P., 

Harris R. Schenck, P., 
Alexander Miller, P., 
William J. Thompson, P. 

Joseph Beers, P., 

Robert A. Blackford, P., 

Robert B. Mattice, S. S., 
Robert P. Gibson, P., 

" " *James W. Coleman, P., 

Edwards P. Cleaveland,P., 

Arthur Requa, P., 
" (Dissolved Oct. 17, 187 1). 

Daniel D. Sahler, P., 

Anthony W. Colver, S. S. 

Rollin A. Sawyer, P., 

Addison K. Strong, S. S., 
" " J. Aspinwall Hodge, P., 



Term of Service. 

Oct. 30, 1 857— 
Oct. 16, 1878 

Feb. 17, 1880- 

Oct. 28, 1862- 
Nov. 1, 1877 

Feb. 14, 1878- 
Oct., 1868- 
Feb. 1, 187 1 

July 11, 187 1— 

Feb. 1, 1 88 1 
June 7, 1881- 

May 8, 1887 
Feb. 1, 1888- 
Oct. 1 5, 1868- 

Apr. 1, 1872 
Nov. 14, 1872- 

May 1, 1874 
Oct. 11, 1877- 
. Jan. 1, 1880 

1880- 1884 
Feb. 3, 1887- 
Mar. 6, 1864- 
Jan. 20, 1874 
July 7, 1881- 
Apr. 18, 1882 
Jan. 24, 1887- 

May 2, 187 1- 
Nov. 12, 1882 
1883- 1885 
( May 26, 1885- 
) Aug. 1, 1888 
Jan., 1889- 
May 2, 1866- 



John DeWitt, P., 

Rollin A. Sawyer, P., 

Washington Choate, P. 
John S. Penman, S. S., 



Charles K. McHarg, S. S., | Oct^io; 1 ^ 

Oct. 10, 1855- . 
Nov. 21, 1864 
July 6, 1865- 
Dec. 1, 1869 
Oct. 13, 1870- 
Apr. 17, 1879 
Oct. 13, 1880- 
June 24, 1888 
June, 1888- 
. May 29, 1889 



*List contains names of Pastors and Stated Supplies from the organization 
of Church. 



172 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Name. 
10. Mt. Kisco, 



Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 
Oct. 4, 1870, John Hancock, P., 



New Rochelle, 



12. North Salem, 



13. Patterson, 



14. Peekskill, 1st, 
Peekskill, 



Term of Service. 

Oct. 16, 1870- 
Sept. i, 1876 

, , u p ^ ( June 20, 1877- 

John H. Frazee, P., j J Nov. 1, 1879 

James W. Johnston, S. S., | j J*^^ 

p j June 29, 1880- 
1 { Oct. 28, 1883 
Nov. 6, 1S84- 
Mar. 13, 1887 
May 12, 1S87- 
1841- 1842 
1843- 1844 
f Jan. 20, 1845- 
) Oct. 23, 1848 
j June 28, 1850- 
) Oct. 12, 1858 
1S59- 1S62 
( Dec. 3, 1862- 
i Aug. 3, 186S 
j Jan. 7, 1S69- 
( Nov. 1, 1869 



Addison D. Madeira, P., 

Harris R. Schenck, P., 
*Peter Snyder, S. S., 
Henry M. Scudder, S. S. 

Charles Hawley, P., 

Charles E. Lindsley, P., 
James H. Taylor, S. S., 
Erskine N. White, P., 

David Hopkins, P., 
Edward R. Burkhalter, P., j .^^ 1876 

Anthony R.Macoubrey,P., | ^Oct I '> I i877 
R. Randall Hoes, P., 



Arthur Newman, S. S., 
William B. W r aller, P., 
Chas. H. Halloway, S. S., 

Henry M. Hazeltine, S. S. 



Robert B. Mattice, S. S. 
Elias S. Schenck, S. S., 

James Baird, P., 

Isaac L. Kip, P., 
John S. Allen, P., 
t William Marshall, P., 

David M. Halliday, P., 



Nov. 2 1, 1878- 
Sept. 11, 1881 
1881- 1882 
Jan. 30, 1883- 
1868- 187 1 
Feb. 1, 1872- 
Nov. 6, 1872 
Nov. 6, 1872- 
Apr. 30, 1876 

18S7- 
( May 11, 1869- 
J May 1, 1879 
June 22,1881- 
Nov. 4, 1 888 
May 15, 1889- 
Nov.13, 1832- 
Oct. 12, 1843 
( Nov. 1,1843- 
l Oct. 9, 1S67 



*List contains names of Pastors and Stated Supplies from time Church 
left Presbytery of Bedford. 

t List from date of transfer from Presbytery of Bedford to Second Presby- 
tery of N. Y. 



Name. 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 
Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 



173 



Term of Service. 



John N. Freeman, P., j ^^g^ 



J. Ritchie Smith, P., 
15. Peekskill, 2d, Oct. 4, 1870, *Daniel Brown, S. S., 

Payson Church, P. 

Livingston Willard, S. S., 
Joseph McKee, P., 

Daniel Bond, P., 

George F. Wiswell, P., 
Silas Hawley, S. S., 
Elisha G. Cobb, P., 

Charles H. Baldwin, P., 

Nelson Millard, P., 

James Damarest, Jr., P., 

Roderick Terry, P., 

David Murdock, P., 



16. Portchester, 



17. Potts Memorial, 

18. Pound Ridge, 

19. Riverdale, 



20. Rye, 



June 26, 1876- 
Nov. 21,1841- 
May 4, 1842 
May 4, 1842- 
Nov. 8, 1846 

1847- 
May 25, 1848- 
Nov. 15, 1851 
( June 29,1852- 
\ Aug. 19, 1852 
j Nov. 10, 1852- 
| Feb. 29, 1856 
1857- 1859 
June 20, 1860- 
Nov. 12, 1866 
Apr. 30, 1867- 
July 15, 1869 
June 14, 1870- 
July 7, 1872 
Oct. 22, 1872- 
Aug. 1, 1874 
Nov. 9, 1875- 
Nov. 17, 1879 
May 2, 1882- 
Apr. 21, 1886 
June 29, 1886- 
Mar. 9, 1868- 
Mar. 31, 1877 
May 8, 1878- 
Apr. 30, 1888 
Feb. 13, 1889- 
Apr. 10, 1866- 
Sept. 9, 1875 



Irving E. White, P., 
Ezra F. Mundy, P , 

Willis W. Dowd, P., 
William Y. Brown, P., 
*Arthur Potts, P., 
Lawrence P. Cummings, P., Nov. 30, 1875- 
William Patterson, P., * Feb. 10, 1836- 

*George M. Boynton, P., 

Henry H. Stebbins, P., 

Charles H. Burr, Jr., P., 

William R. Lord, P., 
Ira S. Dodd, P., 
Charles W. Baird, P., 



Feb. 6, il 
$ Oct. 28, 1863- 
( June 10, 1867 
Oct. 8, 1867- 
Dec. 28, 1873 
Mar. 5, 1874- 
Aug. 1, 1878 
( Apr. 30,1879- 
l Dec. 12, 1881 



June 12, il 
t Mar. 9, 1861- 
\ Feb. 10, ir 



* Pastors and Stated Supplies from organization of Church. 



174 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Name. 



21. Sing Sing, 



22. Somers, ist, 



Enrolled. 



Pastors and Stated Supplies. 
John E. Bushnell, P. 



23. South East, 

24. South East Center, 



25. South Greenburgh, 
Greenburgh, 

26. South Salem, 



Oct. 4, 1870, John P. Lundy, P., 
Wilson Phraner, P., 
Franklin B. Dwight, P., 

" " *George Monilaws, P., 

D. D. T. McLaughlin, S. 
W. K. Piatt, S. S., 
J. Collins, S. S., 
P. H. Burghardt, S. S., 
C. B. Whitcomb, S. S., 
Charles B. Dye, S. S., 

Joseph Beers, P., 

Edward B. Allen, P., 

" " Anthony B.Macoubrey,P 

S. S. 

W. Hart Dexter, P., 
John H. Trussell, S. S., 
" t William Meikle, P., 



27. Stamford, 



Term of Service. 
June 12, 1888- 
Feb. 13, 1849- 
Mar., 185 1 
Oct. 28, 1851- 
Dec. 27, 1885 
\ Apr. 27, 1886- 
f June 18, 1889 
f Apr. 17, 1847- 



Apr. 4, 
1848- 
1856- 
1865- 
1866- 
1870- 
1871- 



I Nov. 14, 1872- 
\ May 1, 1874 
Nov. 14, 1871- 
Oct. 23, 1867- 
Dec. 3, 1876 
1878- 1885 
June 15, 1886- 
Aug. 26, 1888 
Dec. 1, 1888- 
Nov. 1, 1860- 
Apr. 17, 1867 
Thornton M. Niven, Jr., P., Oct. 14, 1867- 

Daniel S. Gregory, P., 

Thomas M. Gray, P., \^\%% 

Henry J. Owen, S. S., 1876- 
George A. Seeley, S. S., 1877— 
Geo. M.MeCampbeIl > P.,{M« y -,.870- 

J. M. Buchanan, S. S., 1883- 
Lyman D. Calkins, P., 
Manfred P. Welcher, P 
JJames L. Corning, P., 



( May 21, 1884- 
l Apr. 21, 1886 
June 5, 1888- 
| Apr. 15, 1853- 



Robert R. Booth, P., 
Dwight R. Bartlett, P., 
Samuel P. Halsey, P., 



Nov. 3, 1856 
j Mar. 4, 1857- 
l Feb. 18, 1861 
Apr. 14, 1862- 
Feb. 22, 1864 
Mar. 13, 1865- 
Feb. i8i 1867 



, * Pastors and Stated Supplies, so far as known, from Division of 1837. 

t Pastors and Stated Supplies from Presbytery of Bedford to Second Pres- 
bytery of New York. 

X Pastors and Stated Supplies from organization. 



Name. 



28. Thompsonville, 



29. Throggs Neck, 



30. Tremont, 1st, 



31. West Farms, 



32. White Plains, 



33. Yonkers, 1st, 



34. Westminster, 



ROLL OF CHURCHES. 

Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies 

Alexander S. Twombly, P. 

Evert Van Slyke, P., 
Richard P. H. Vail, P., 
Oct. 4, 1870, Henry F. Lee, P., 

Fred. S. Barnum, P., 
W. Hart Dexter, P., 
" *James Beattie, P., 

A. D. L. Jewett, P., 

Robert A. Davison, P., 

John S. Allen, P., 

«« " *Charles C. Wallace, P., 

Alexander Nesbitt, P., 
, George Nixon, P., 
" " *Matthew T. Adams, P., 

James B. Ramsay, P., 

Isaac W. Piatt, P., 

George Nixon, P., 

Carson W. Adams, P., 

Willard Scott, P., 

John D. Long, P., 
Charles P. Mallery, P. E, 
Thomas C. Steele, S. S., 

P. 

Edgar L. Heermance, P., 

« *Dwight M. Seward, P., 

'T s Ralston Smith, P., 
John Reid, P., 
" *Rollin A. Sawyer, P., 



175 

Term of Service. 

( Apr. 30, 1868- 
'' ( Apr. 28, 1872 
j Apr 23, 1873- 
] Oct. 6, 1875 
May 11, 1876- 
( July 13, 1869- 
( Dec. 20, 1873 
j July 20, 1874- 
( Dec. 20, 1887 
Oct. 10, 1888- 
( June 5, 1856- 
1 Oct. 8, 1861 
( Oct. 30, 1862- 
( Apr. 14, 1868 
j June 17, 1868- 
] Apr. 15, 1884 
j May 13, 1886- 
| Feb. 1, 1889 
( June 4, 1856- 
( Feb. 2, i860 
\ Sept. 17, 1863- 
( Jan. 7, 1875 
July 8, 1875- 
j June 22, 1836- 
( Oct. 19, 1840 
( Feb. 2, 1841- 
j Mar. 23, 1846 
j Oct. 28, 1847- 
] Feb. 9,1858 
( Nov. 10, 1858- 
\ July I, 1875 
( May 2, 1876- 
} Oct. 30, 1879 
j Jan. 26, 1880- 
\ Feb. 18, 1883 
j Feb. 12,1884- 
| July 7, 1885 
, Oct. 6, 1885- 
( 1870- 
( June 20, .187 1 
{ June 20,1871- 
' { Nov. 17, 1873 
( Apr. 22, 1874- 
} Feb. 1, 1888 
) May 10, 1852- 
( June 20, 1870 
( Mar. 1, 1871- 
1 Mar. 31, 1879 
Nov. 6, 1879- 
Feb. 17, 1858- 
July 1, 1862 



* Pastors and Stated Supplies from organization. 



• 



176 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Name. 



35. Yorktown, 



Enrolled. ' Pastors and Stated Supplies. 

Samuel T. Carter, P., 

Lewis W. Mudge, P., 

John Dixon, P., 

Gharles P. Fagnani, P., 

Edward C. Moore, P., 

Oct. 4, 1870, James W. Johnston, P., 

William J. Cumming,S.S., 
P., 

36. New Haven, 1st, Feb. 24, 1873, James W. Coleman, P. E., 

37. Katonah, Apr. 16, 1873, John H. Eastman, P., 

38. North New York, June 10, 1873, Donald Fletcher, P., 

Bethany, Gordon Mitchell, P., 

George W. F. Birch, P., 

39. Huguenot Mem'al, Oct. 18, 1876, Charles E. Lord, S S., 

Henry R. Waite, P., 

Daniel N. Freeland, P., 
Apr. 30, 1879, Charles E. Allison, P., 
Jan. 20, 1880, Ezra F. Mundy, S. S., 

Manfred P. Welcher, P., 



40. Dayspring, 

41. Pleasantville, 



42. Greenwich, 1st, 



43. New Haven, 1st, 

44. Mt. Vernon, 1st, 



John F. Lynn, P., 
June 21, 1881, Rollin A. Sawyer, P. E. 

J. Howard Hobbs, P., 

Apr. 20, 1886, James G. Rodger, P., 
June 23, 1887, Charles S. Lane, P., 



Term of Service. 
Nov.13, 1862- 
Apr. 11, 1867 
Aug. 1, 1867- 
May 6, 1877 
Oct. 11, 1877- 
Aug. 10, 1884 
j Mar. 18, 1885- 
( Apr. 20, 1887 
( June 30, 1887- 
\ Jan. 1, 1889 
Oct. 15, 1866- 
Oct. 17, 1875 
j Feb. 19, 1876- 
) Aug. 8, 1876 
Aug. 8, 1876- 
( Jan., 1874- 
i Jan., 1878 
July 8, 1875- 
[ July 22, 1873- 
j Apr. 21, 1875 
j Nov. 11, 1875- 
l Feb. 5, 1878 
Feb. 5, 1S79- 
1876- 1877 
Dec. 4, 1877- 
Jan. 18, 1881 
Nov. 13, 1881- 
Apr. 30, 1879- 
1880 

( Dec. 2, 1880- 
\ May 6, 1888 
May 15, 1889 
1881- 1885 
July 22, 1885- 
July 18, 1889 
May 12, 1886- 
Mar. 29, 1888- 



Of the origin of several of the churches in the field of 
the Westchester Presbytery, organized by other Presbyte- 
ries than those with which we are specially concerned, 
we have not yet spoken. The Second Presbyterian Church 
of Peekskill, known originally as the Payson Church, was 
organized by a committee of the Presbytery of North River 
(N. S.), Nov. 17, 1 841, with eleven members, nine from the 
First Church. The secession was due to dissensions in the 
parent church. 



* Pastors and Stated Supplies from organization. 



CHURCHES. 177 

The " First Presbyterian Church of the Town of Yon- 
kers " was formed April 26, 1852, by a colony of forty-six 
members from the Reformed Dutch Church. It was received 
under the care of the Third Presbytery of New York, May 
10, 1852. 

In 1853 residents of the village of Irvington and vicinity 
felt the need of church privileges. Services were at first 
held in a building erected for a stable. Subscriptions for a 
church were solicited with the understanding that the 
denomination was to be determined after completion by 
a vote of the majority of the contributors. The majority 
favored a Presbyterian Church. Application was made 
to the Third Presbytery of New York and an organization 
effected by a committee January 15, 1854. The church was 
at first known as the " Second Presbyterian Church of Green- 
burgh." April 19, 1 87 1, at the request of the church, the 
ecclesiastical title was changed to that of " The Presbyte- 
rian Church of Irvington, N. Y." 

The Tremont Church came into being as "The Union 
Presbyterian Church of Upper Morrisania," and was en- 
rolled by the Third Presbytery of New York, November 8, 

1854. It began its existence with twenty-three members. 
The Throgg's Neck Church was organized July 8, 1855, 

and enrolled by the Presbytery of New York October 9th 
following. Its corporate title is " The First Presbyterian 
Church of Throgg's Neck, Westchester, Westchester 
County, N. Y." 

The Westminster Church, Yonkers, N. Y., was the out- 
come of a mission Sunday-school started in September, 

1855. January, 1858, eighteen members of the First 
Church received letters of dismission and were organized 
into a church by the Third Presbytery of New York, Feb- 
ruary 3, 1858. April 6, 1863, the church withdrew from the 
Third Presbytery and joined the Second. 

The Riverdale Church began its existence October 4, 
1863, and was received under the care of the Fourth Pres- 
bytery of New York October 12th following. 
2 3 



178 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 

The church of Darien, Conn., the result of the labors of 
Mr. James Coleman, who began preaching in a union chapel 
April 7, 1 86 1, was organized by the same Presbytery No- 
vember 4, 1863. 

The Potts Memorial Church was organized March 8, 
1866, under the name of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Morrisania. It was enrolled by the Presbytery of New 
York, April 2, 1866. During the same year the name was 
changed to Potts Memorial, as a tribute to the memory 
of the late Rev. George Potts, D.D., of New York. Prior 
to 1866 two attempts had been made to maintain Presbyte- 
rian services in Morrisania. As early as January 16, 1850, an 
organization was effected by the same Presbytery, and on 
March 13th following, Rev. Richard C. Shimeall was in- 
stalled pastor. He was released from the charge March 
11, 185 1, because the church was financially too weak to 
support a pastor. The church became extinct. An effort 
was made to revive the enterprise and a church was organ- 
ized May 25, 1857. It met with no success. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



The Presbytery of Westchester contimied. 

PROXIMITY to the city of New York and the rapid 
growth of the population along the railroads leading 
from it, presented an opportunity for church extension. 
The subject was brought up at the first meeting, but no 
action was taken until the second meeting in April, 1871, 
when the Committee on Home Missions were authorized to 
employ a missionary to labor within the field of the Presby- 
tery at a salary not to exceed $1800 per annum, which 
amount was to be apportioned among the churches accord- 
ing to the salaries of the pastors. No missionary, however, 
seems to have been appointed. The basis of the apportion- 
ment was found to be unsatisfactory, and it was left to 
the judgment of the committee. It was found that the 
funds required could not be thus secured. The work of the 
committee was commended to the churches and collections 
were solicited. 

The committee, the name of which was changed to that 
of Committee on Church Extension, September 24, 1873, 
labored on amid many discouragements, often in debt ; and 
through their efforts or under their superintendence, Kato- 
nah, Bethany, Huguenot Memorial, Dayspring, Pleasant- 
ville, Greenwich, 1st, New Haven, 1st, and Mt. Vernon, 1st, 
eight churches, were organized. The South Reformed 
Church of New Haven was received and reorganized, and 
the South East Center Church removed to Brewster's Sta- 
tion, with the counsel and assistance of the committee. 
For almost fourteen years the late Rev. Charles W. Baird, 
D.D., was the chairman of the committee. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Wilson Phraner, D.D., who now fills the office. 



i So 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



" The First Presbyterian Church of Katonah, N. Y.," 
was organized November 17, 1872, with nine members re- 
ceived by letter from other churches. 

The next in the order of time is "The First Presby- 
terian Church of North New York," which began life May 
12, 1873. Its ecclesiastical title was changed January 18, 
1876, to "The Bethany Presbyterian Church of New York." 

October 8, 1876, thirteen persons were constituted by a 
committee of Presbytery " The First Presbyterian Huguenot 
Memorial Forest Church of Pelham Manor, N. Y." 

A mission chapel had been established in Yonkers in 
1871 by the First Church. It was organized as "The Day- 
spring Presbyterian Church in Yonkers, N. Y.," April 21, 
1879. Eighty-two persons presented letters from the 
mother-church, and these, with twelve others, made a total 
of ninety-four. 

"The Presbyterian Church of Pleasantville, N. Y.," fol- 
lowed January 19, 1880, with thirteen members. 

April 26, 1 88 1, "The First Presbyterian Church of 
Greenwich, Conn.," was formed by thirty-two persons who 
had withdrawn from the Second Congregational Church. 

The presence of a large number of Presbyterians who 
had come from Scotland, Ireland,-and the maritime provinces 
of Canada, made a demand for a church of that denomina- 
tion in New Haven, Conn. " The First Presbyterian Church 
of New Haven, Conn.," was accordingly organized with 
twenty-four members February 19, 1886. 

Seventy-three persons, Presbyterian in faith, who had 
worshiped at the Reformed Church of Mt. Vernon, N. Y., 
seceded therefrom and applied to the Presbytery to be 
organized as a church. A committee was appointed for the 
purpose. They met at Mt. Vernon and discharged the duty 
June 23, 1887. 

October 16, 1872, the South Reformed Church at New 
Haven, Conn., applied to be taken under the care of the 
Presbytery. The Classis of New York, to which it had pre- 



CHURCH EXTENSION. 



iSl ' 



viously belonged, had given its consent to the transfer on 
condition that the church should make arrangements satis- 
factory to the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed 
Church in regard to the title to church property and for 
moneys granted for support of pastors. The matter was 
referred to a committee. February 24, 1873, it was resolved 
to receive the church under the name of " The First Pres- 
byterian Church of New Haven," and a committee was 
appointed to recognize the church and install elders. 

The committee performed this duty March n, 1873. It 
was stipulated later that the Presbytery did not assume any 
financial responsibility, but would extend all the assistance 
that lay in its power. A call was made for Rev. E. B. 
Hodge of Burlington, N. J. The Presbytery of Monmouth 
declined to grant him permission to leave his charge. May 
J 3> J 873, Rev. James W. Coleman of Darien was called to 
the pastorate. It was not until early in the following year 
that he assumed the duties of pastor-elect. The church 
was recommended to and received aid from the Board of 
Home Missions. October, 1874, the church building was 
sold by the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed 
Church, and the church was houseless. The Third Congre- 
gational church extended an invitation to them to unite 
with them. Many of the members received letters of dis- 
mission to that church. January 19, 1875, the First Presby- 
terian church of New Haven was disbanded, the order to 
take effect on March 1st. 

The organization of a church at Brewster's Station, 
N. Y., on the Harlem R. R., was brought to the attention of 
the Presbytery of Bedford as early as 1861. Nothing, how- 
ever, was effected by either it or the Presbytery of Con- 
necticut. The necessity for a Presbyterian service was felt 
by the Presbytery, and in their judgment this could be best 
secured by the removal of the South East Center Church to 
that point. Resolutions were passed to this effect, April 
21, 1880, and a commission appointed to urge the importance 
of the step on the church. The congregation expressed 



1^2 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



their willingness to carry out the recommendations of the 
Presbytery. No steps, however, in that direction were 
taken, and October 6, 1880, Presbytery directed the Com- 
mittee on Church Extension to take steps towards the estab- 
lishment of religious services there. Services were begun 
in 1 88 1 under the direction of the committee and the church, 
the Baptist Church being rented for the purpose. In the 
following year a church edifice was in process of erection. 
With assistance from the Board of Church Erection and the 
Presbytery's committee, it was dedicated free of debt, June 
15, 1886. 

In 1874 the summer residents at Narragansett Pier, 
R. L, established a service for non-Episcopal visitors. Rev. 
Messrs. Charles Hodge, D.D., and J. Aspinwall Hodge, D.D., 
were the prime movers. It was begun in a hall August 
9th. Shortly after a lady of Philadelphia donated a lot, 
upon which the erection of a stone church was begun. It 
was ready for service in July, 1875. The trustees were in- 
corporated March, 1875, under the name of "The Trustees 
of the Presbyterian Church of Narragansett Pier for the 
purpose of maintaining public worship at Narragansett Pier 
according to the doctrines and form of the Presbyterian 
Church in the United States of America." They are elected 
by those who sustain the services, subject to the approval 
of Presbytery. There is as yet no church organization. 
During the winter months the church building has been 
placed at the disposal of the Baptists for religious services. 
October 22, 1874, Narragansett Pier was transferred by the 
Synod of New York from the jurisdiction of the Presbytery 
of Boston, with their consent, to that of Westchester. 

While these gains have been made, there have also been 
losses. The church at Deep River was dissolved October 17, 
1 87 1. The South Reformed Church of New Haven, recog- 
nized as the First Presbyterian church, was hopelessly em- 
barrassed financially when received, and was dissolved 
March 1, 1875. The Somers Church, at no time a strong 
church, about 1875 became hopelessly divided over the con- 



LOSSES. 



tinuance of a stated supply and about the purchase of a 
building at Purdy's Station, as a branch enterprise. Ser- 
vices were no longer held. The attention was called to the 
church October, 1876. It was found that nothing could be 
done to bring about harmony. To liquidate the indebted- 
ness incurred in the purchase of property at Purdy's Sta- 
tion, the manse was sold. The church was disbanded October 
6, 1880. Since that date occasional services have been held 
there by the pastor of the Croton Falls Church. 

The annexation of a portion of Westchester County 
to the city of New York has brought about some changes. 
In this territory were located five of our churches, Bethany, 
West Farms, Pott's Memorial, Tremont, and Riverdale. By 
their situation they had more in common with the churches 
in the city than with those of our Presbytery. It seemed 
necessary for them to look to them for spiritual and finan- 
cial support. The churches of Tremont and Morrisania in 
1880 gave notice of application to the Synod, for transfer to 
the Presbytery of New York. No change, however, was 
then made. The subject was brought up again October 5, 
1887, when the Presbytery voted to offer no objection. 
October 19, 1887, the five churches in the annexed wards, 
with their pastors, were transferred. 

The Presbytery had on its rolls at its first meeting, 
October 4, 1870, forty-five ministers and thirty-five churches. 
October 4, 1 887, the highest figures were reached — sixty-two 
ministers and forty-one churches. At the present time, 
August 1, 1889, it numbers fifty-nine ministers and thirty- 
six churches. 

The narratives, taken in connection with the statistical 
reports, reveal a very decided advance in activity and spirit- 
ual life on the part of the Presbytery of Westchester, 
as compared with the Presbyteries of which it is the eccle- 
siastical successor. The growth has. been more rapid and 
seasons of revival more numerous. Of the eighteen years 
of the Presbytery's existence, the reports of twelve indi- 
cate in one or more of our churches the awakening influ- 



184 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 

ences of the Spirit. Some years but a single church has a. 
large ingathering. In others we have good tidings from 
three, five, seven, ten, eleven. The most extensive work of 
grace was in years 1876 and 1877, after Messrs. Moody and 
Sankey held meetings in the city of New York. Accord- 
ing to the narratives there was a deep and thorough awaken- 
ing and nearly all the churches reported large additions, in 
fact, the largest in our history. The statistical report of 
1876 gives 438 added on examination and 218 by certificate, 
a total of 656 ; that of 1877, 458 on examination and 183 by 
certificate, total of 641. The six years, when no revivals 
were reported, were not necessarily years of utter barren- 
ness and drought, though fewer were added. The sins 
mentioned in the narratives are intemperance, Sabbath dese- 
cration, and worldliness. 

Added on examination, .... 5,704 

" " certificate, ..... 3>937 

Total added, . . . . . 9,641 



Statistical Reports. 





No. of 


Added 


on 


Total 


Sabbath School 


Year. 


Churches. 


Examination. 


Certificate. 


Communicants. 


Membership. 


187 1 


35 


3IO 


234 


4538 


4660 


1872 


34 . 


293 


215 


4740 


4703 


1873 


36 


183 


182 


4895 


508 r 


1874 


37 


316 


208 


5015 


5460 


1875 


36 


277 


126 


50IO 


4838 


1876 


36 


438 


218 


5276 


5203 


1877 


37 


458 


183 


53 2 7 


556o 


1878 


37 


270 


180 


5550 


5374 


1879 


38 


229 




5683 


5M 


l88o 


39 


216 


211 


5753 


6118 


l88l 


39 


259 


l6 7 


5896 


5714 


1882 


39 


339 


223 


6014 


6219 


1883 


39 


180 


184 


6112 


6168 


1884 


39 


211 


172 


6138 


6025 


1885 


39 


259 


174 


6063 


6218 


1886 


40 


356 


2l6 


6137 


6313 


1887 


40 


320 


285 


6187 


595i 


1888 


36 


363 


321 


6194 


5658 


1889 


36 


427 


279 


6543 


5787 



CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS. 
COLLECTIONS. 



185 



Year. 


Home Missions. 


Foreign Missions. 


Education. 


Publication. 


Church Erection. 


Relief. 


Freedmen. 


Sustentation. 


Aid for Colleges. 


General Assembly. 


Congregational. 


Miscellaneous. 


! 

187 1 


#8,036 


$6,473 


$4,942 


$615 


$745 


$1,160 


$536 






$387 


$103,955 


$11,189 


1872 


7,629 


7,o77 


2,394 


793 


2,339 


1,156 


691 






548 


*M5,459 




18-7-2 

I0 73 


7,903 


5,882 


4,363 


914 


3,467 


1,131 


574 


$859 




560 


*l8l,020 




1574 


9,606 


.8,1 99 


4,242 


802 


2,574 


i,i54 


632 


853 




604 


112,227 


13.491 


10 75 


9,802 


7,745 


3,046 


2,649 


6,254 


i,34o 


785 


678 




6.5 


108,516 


12,253 


1876 


3,555 


5, '53 


667 


490 


680 


685 


401 


477 




627 


136,518 


23,016 


1877 
10// 


8,681 


7,908 


1,311 


752 


852 


802 


639 


48, 




596 


120,291 


10,094 


1878 


7,57o 


6,328 


i,547 


42 4 


606 


838 


527 


433 




568 


133,852 


8,876 


1879 


6,647 


5,529 


705 


413 


582 


609 


460 


37i 




562 


91,973 


11,403 


1880 


6,940 


5,55o 


615 


519 


592 


873 


56i 


378 




647 


95,661 


9,273 


i88r 


6,250 


7,4i3 


687 


427 


596 


708 


546 


4i5 




410 


119.695 


13,356 


1882 


11.882 


6,397 


12,470 


482 


i,3i5 


1,072 


54i 


378 




633 


104,278 


j 2,909 


1883 


10,163 


6,703 


1,180 


435 


1,674 


969 


629 


312 




428 


"3.055 


1 1,056 


1884 


12,508 


9,704 


1,171 


555 


850 


932 


699 


364 




43o 


187,068 


9,7i 1 


1885 


Jo,o55 


7,3o8 


841 


576 


2,491 


i,35i 


1.237 


356 


$359 


424 


111,225 


9,945 


1886 


ri,2iii 


9,163 


1,209 


509 


1,687 


i,52i 


955 


328 


307 


786 


102,895 


9,458 


1887 


15,708, 


8,886 


901 


637 


2,34i 


1,526 


I7I17 


423 


666 


782 


105,358 


'2,995 


1888 


*6, f37j 


8,021 


936 


757 


1,056 110,365 


808 


389 


483 


728 


101,763 


14,459 


1889 


12,370, 


7,345 


791 


774 


920 


1,186 


1,045 


444 


45° 


728 


101,182 


10,329 


Totals, $ 


182,653 


136,784 


44,018 


13,523 


31,621 


29,378 


13,383 


7,939 


2,265 


11,063 


2,275,991 


202,183 



* Congregational and miscellaneous. t Centennial offering. 



Total Specified Benevolent Collections, . $472,627 

" General Assembly, . . . 11,663 

" Congregational, .... 2,275,991 

" Miscellaneous, .... 202,183 

Total for all purposes, . . $2,961,864 



The fluctuations are accounted for in various ways. Our 
churches are doing valuable home mission work in their own 
midst in the erection of chapels and the maintenance of 
services therein. The outlay is included in columns desig- 
nated Home Missions and Church Erection. Special efforts 
account for the large contributions at times. An advance 
in Congregational often indicates the erection of new church 
edifices. The organization of new churches and the trans- 
fer of five to the Presbytery of New York in 1887 must be 
kept in mind in any estimate of our contributions. The 
24 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



narratives for 1875, '6, and '7, speak of the financial depres- 
sion which began in 1874 and continued for several years. 

No work in our Presbytery, as in the church at large, is 
more promising than that of the Women's Missionary 
Societies. The earliest formed in individual churches are 
those of Bedford (1823) and South Salem (May 28, 1834). 
The former labored at first for foreign missions ; and after 
an existence of thirty years its attention was given solely to 
home missions. The South Salem Society has always had 
foreign missions in view. In sympathy with the growing 
importance of Women's Work and for its enlargement, 
a Presbyterial Society, auxiliary to the Ladies' Board of 
Missions, was organized October 1, 1880, in the First Church 
of Yonkers, N. Y. It has since become auxiliary to the 
Women's Board of Foreign Missions and the Woman's 
Synodical Committee on Home Missions. In December, 
1888, there were connected with the Presbyterial Society 
twenty-eight Ladies' Societies, three Young Ladies' Socie- 
ties, and ten Mission Bands. From 1 880-1 888 the receipts 
have been : 

For Home Missions and Freedmen, . . $10,500.87 

For Foreign Missions, . . ' . . 10,903.52 

Total, ..... $21,404.39 

The earliest action, looking to a visitation of the 
churches by committees of the Presbytery, was taken in 
September, 1873, when the subject was referred to a special 
committee for consideration, with a request that they report 
at the adjourned meeting to be held during the sessions 
of the Synod in October. The report was presented October 
23d. It was recommended that a visitation of the churches 
by committees consisting of two ministers and one elder, ap- 
pointed by the special committee, take place during the fol- 
lowing winter ; that the services be held during as large ' 
a portion of a week as circumstances permit, and that 
the traveling expenses of the committees be paid by the 
churches visited. The report of the committee was adopted. 



PRESBYTERIAL VISITATION. 



187 



The visitation was made. The Narrative of April, 1874, 
bears this testimony to its value : "As a rule the reports 
from the .churches refer to the visits of the Presbyterial 
committees of visitation as productive of great good." In 
view of the results the special committee was continued 
and directed "to report some definite plan for the guidance 
of the Committees of Visitation, the method they shall pur- 
sue and the inquiries they shall make." The committee re- 
ported October 7th following, recommending that the au- 
thoritative visitation should be triennial. This plan was 
adopted. The Presbytery has permitted the appointment of 
committees at the request of the churches at other times. 

October 3, 1882, it was ordered that the Committee on 
Visitation appoint a Day of Prayer for the Presbytery, on 
which a meeting of our ministers and elders should be held 
at some convenient place. Later the administration of the 
sacrament of the Lord's Supper was added. This service 
has been found so interesting and profitable that it has be- 
come a part of our Presbyterial life, and is held annually 
about the first of November. The large number of churches 
under the care of the Presbytery rendered it difficult to se- 
cure the necessary committees for the visitation of all in a 
single year. October 6, 1886, on the recommendation of the 
standing committee, they were divided in three groups, one 
to be visited each year. This plan is now in operation. 

It was felt by many that a change on the basis of repre- 
sentation in the General Assembly on account of the Re- 
union and the rapid growth of the church was a necessity. 
An overture was sent down by the Assembly of 1875, pro- 
posing representation by Synods. April 20, 1876, the Pres- 
bytery rejected it by the following vote : Ayes 7, Noes 29, 
non-liquet 1. It was also rejected by a large majority 
of the Presbyteries. The next Assembly (1876) referred 
two propositions to the lower judicatories, one making the 
basis twenty ministers for each commissioner, minister, or 
elder, with a provision for an equal representation of minis- 
ters and elders, and the other changing the " twenty-four " 



1 88 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 

to fifty (Form of Government, XII, 2). Both were an- 
swered, October 4, 1876, by the Presbytery in the negative. 
They were not ratified. 

The year 1877 produced two alternative schemes which 
were sent down for consideration. The one renewed the 
plan of representation by Synods with the same numerical 
basis, but with a provision added that every Presbytery 
should in due time be represented. By the other the basis 
of representation by Presbyteries was to be changed from 
"twenty-four ministers" to "forty ministers actually en- 
gaged in ministerial work, as pastors, co-pastors, pastors- 
elect, stated supplies, evangelists, missionaries, professors in 
theological seminaries, or those assigned by the General 
Assembly to the work of the Church." April 17, 1878, 
Presbytery rejected the first by a vote of ayes 11, noes 31, 
and the second unanimously. The overtures proved unsat- 
isfactory to the church at large. 

The next plan was referred to the Presbyteries for con- 
sideration in 1878. It was proposed to change the basis to 
the "number of ministers and communicants combined." 
This overture shared the fate of its predecessors, Westches- 
ter voting, April 15, 1879, unanimously against it. No 
further action was taken until 1883, when it was proposed 
to change the basis from "twenty-four" to " thirty-six min- 
isters." This plan failed to receive the necessary majority. 
Westchester recorded, October 3, 1883, its negative vote 
again. Another plan was sent down by the General Assem- 
bly of 1884, by which the numerical basis was changed to 
the extent that additional commissioners were not allowed 
for fractions under half. Coupled with it was a second over- 
ture denying representations to new Presbyteries until they 
consist of at least twelve ministers, exceptions being made in 
favor of foreign mission Presbyteries and that of Alaska. 
Westchester voted, April 23, 1885, in the affirmative. The 
first overture only became a part of the constitution of the 
church. 

The reorganization of Synods, their reduction in num- 



CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION. 



ber, and the enlargement of their powers was brought to 
the attention of the General Assembly of 1879 by overtures 
from the Presbyteries of New York and Lehigh, and re- 
ferred to a special committee. The greatly increased size 
and expense, especially if State lines were adopted as 
boundaries, were urged in objection. To meet these objec- 
tions the committee presented to the Assembly of 1880 an 
overture amending the Form of Government, Chap. XI, 
Sec. 1, so that a Synod might, with the consent of a major- 
ity of its Presbyteries, become a delegated body. An op- 
portunity was now offered of relieving the General Assem- 
bly of part of its business by enlarging the powers of the 
Synods. It was proposed to make them the courts of last 
resort, except when questions of " doctrine or the constitu- 
tion of the church " are involved. Accordingly an over- 
ture, amending Form of Government, Chap. XI, Sec. 4, 
and Chap. XII, Sec. 4, to this effect was proposed. These 
overtures were referred to the Presbyteries and adopted. 
Westchester voted on both in the affirmative, April 21, 1881. 
The General Assembly of 1881 passed an Enabling Act, 
consolidating certain Synods. A single Synod under the 
new arrangement covered the entire State of New York. 
That Synod, October 19, 1883, proposed by overture to its 
Presbyteries to become a delegated body, specifying the 
basis of representation. Westchester answered, April 16, 
1884, in the affirmative. So did a majority of the Presby- 
teries. 

The revision of the Book of Discipline and Judicial Com- 
missions were overtimed to the General Assembly of 1878 
by the Synod of New Jersey and the Presbytery of Dayton, 
and referred to a special committee. Other overtures were 
from time to time referred to the same committee for con- 
sideration. In 1880 the first draft of the revised Book 
of Discipline was presented. It was ordered to be printed 
and distributed to ministers and sessions. The Assembly 
of 1 88 1 relieved the committee from the duty of revising 
the Form of Government, except so far as mere verbal 



190 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 

changes might be necessary for purposes of adaptation, 
and directed them to conform their revision of the Book of 
Discipline to the present Form of Government. The Assem- 
bly of 1882 ordered that the revised Book of Discipline as 
thus amended be printed for the examination of Presbyte- 
ries. 

The next Assembly sent it down for adoption or rejec- 
tion, with permission to vote for it as a whole with exception 
to any of its sections. Amendment was also proposed 
to the Directory for Worship, Chap. X, to adapt it to 
the proposed Revised Book of Discipline. April 17, 1884, 
the Presbytery of Westchester answered the overtures in 
the affirmative, with the following exceptions to the Revised 
Book of Discipline : 

" I. In chapter IV, sect. 26, we object to the admission of legal counsel 
in the trial of causes unless he be subject to the jurisdiction of the judicature. 

" II. That chapter VIII, sect. 65, be amended by omitting the words re- 
quiring the taking of all testimony to be ' subject to the general rules of evi- 
dence,' except so far as those rules are embodied in chapter VIII ' On Evi- 
dence.' " [Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, vol. II, p. 255.] 

The Revised Book of Discipline and amendment to the 
Directory for Worship were adopted. The greatest objec- 
tion was made to Sees. 26 and 65, though others were 
named. It was ordered that overtures be sent down propos- 
ing amendments to Sees. 5, 18, 84, and 115, the substitution 
of Sec. 21, Chap. IV of the old Book of Discipline for Sec. 
26, Chap. IV of the new, and the omission of Sees. 48 and 
65. Action upon them was taken by Presbytery January 20 
and April 22, 1885. The amendment to Sec. 5 was rejected, 
the other overtures were answered in the affirmative. The 
proposed changes were all adopted with the single exception 
of that relating to Sec. 48. 

"The practice of appointing Judicial Commissions by 
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church is an in- 
heritance from the Church of Scotland ; and, although the 
power to appoint such commissions was not embodied in our 
constitution, yet the practice has continued by the consent 
of parties, in the absence of constitutional authority. At 



CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION. 



IQI 



different periods of the church's history, attempts have been 
made to give constitutional authority to this principle, which 
has been found so useful in trial' of judicial cases, but with- 
out success." The special committee, from whose report 
the above quotation is made, reported two overtures to the 
Assembly of 1884, proposing an addition to the Book of 
Discipline and amendments to the Form of Government, 
Chap. XI, Sec. 4, and Chap. XII, Sec. 4, permitting the ap- 
pointment of Judicial Commissions by the General Assem- 
bly and Synods for the trial of judicial cases under certain 
restrictions. 

The overtures were answered, April 22, 1885, by the 
Presbytery of Westchester in the affirmative. On the same 
day they ordered to be sent to the Assembly an overture 
proposing an amendment granting the same power to Pres- 
bytery and authorizing Judicial Commissions to meet at 
such times and places as they or the court appointing them 
may deem best. The Presbyteries by a large majority rati- 
fied the proposed changes. No action was taken by the As- 
sembly on the overtures from this body. 

The General Assembly of 1885 proposed a new chapter 
for the Directory for Worship to be entitled "Qf the 
Worship of God by Offerings." Westchester voted, April 
22, 1886, no, but the majority of the Presbyteries voted 
aye. The overture on term service of elders, Form of 
Government, Chap. XIII, Sec. 8, sent down in 1874, 
received the constitutional majority, though Westchester 
voted, October 7, 1874, against it. A similar amendment to 
Form of Government, Chap. XIII, Sec. 8, with respect 
to deacons, proposed in 1885, was also ratified. Westchester 
again expressed its disapproval (April 22, 1886). The over- 
ture on Limitations of Marriage, Confession of Faith, 
Chap. XXIV, Sec. 4, of 1886, became a part of the 
constitution. The vote of this Presbytery was cast April 
19, 1887, with the majority. The Elder-Moderatorship over- 
ture, as it was called, sent down the same year, was defeated. 



2 b 



192 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



The vote of Westchester stood — Ayes 13, Noes 12 (January 
18, 1887). 

At the first stated meeting after the death of President 
Garfield, October 5, 1881, the following resolutions were 
adopted : 

" Whereas, in the Providence of God, the nation has been sorely smit- 
ten in the death of our beloved and lamented President, Hon. James A. Gar- 
field, therefore, 

"Resolved, 1, That we, the members of the Presbytery of Westchester, 
desire to put on record our sense of heartfelt affliction and personal loss in 
connection with this inscrutable dispensation which has clothed the land in 
mourning, and shocked and grieved the nations of the world. 

" Resolved, 2, That in the noble and manly character, the honorable and 
splendid achievements, and above all, in the distinctively Christian principles 
and virtues of our late President, we recognize in him, as scholar, statesman, 
and Christian one peculiarly fitted for the high and honorable position and 
grave responsibilities of the office of Chief Magistrate of this great nation, 
and while we bow in humble submission to the will of God, yet in our sorrow 
we gratefully cherish the memory and earnestly commend the example and 
career, the character and principles of our late President to the youth of our 
land as eminently worthy of study and imitation. 

" Resolved, 3, Deeply and most heartily sympathizing with the immediate 
family of our President, we commend them in our prayers to Him whose grace 
is sufficient to sustain, and whose love and favored support and guidance we 
earnestly supplicate in their behalf. 

"Resolved, 4, That these resolutions be recorded in the minutes of Pres- 
bytery, and a copy of them forwarded to the family of our deceased President." 
[Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, vol. II, pp. 158-9.] 

September 24, 1873, Presbytery voted to print abstracts 
of its minutes under the direction of the stated clerk. April 
21, 1887, they resolved : 

" 1. That the minutes be printed in full, and that a copy be sent to each 
minister and elder under the care of the Presbytery. 

" 2. That one printed copy, duly authenticated by the signature of the Sta- 
ted Clerk, be preserved as the permanent record of the proceedings of the 
Presbytery. 

" 3. That such copy be sent to the higher court for review." [Records of 
the Presbytery of Westchester, vol. II, p. 396.] 

This record was sent to the Synod of New York, October, 
1888, for revision and approval. On the recommendation 
of the committee to which it had been referred it was ap- 
proved. Later,. at the same meeting, objection was made 



PRINTED MINUTES. 



193 



that the minutes were in print. Previous action was recon- 
sidered and the following minute was adopted : 

" Whereas, the Presbytery of Westchester presented its minutes in a 
printed form, and this form has not been distinctively authorized by the 
Assembly in the case of Presbyteries ; and 

"Whereas, the Synod approved the minutes of the said Presbytery; and 

"Whereas, doubts were expressed by a considerable minority, as to the 
constitutional right of Presbyteries to present their minutes in this form ; 

"Therefore, the Synod of New York respectfully overtures the General 
Assembly to make a definite deliverance as to whether the principle established 
in relation to the records of Synods, Minutes of 18S4, page 79, does not apply 
to those of the Presbyteries also." [Minutes of the Synod of New York, 1888, 
p. 44.] 

The answer of the General Assembly is as follows : 

"Your .Committee recommend an answer in the affirmative; and to say 
that all our Church courts may follow the same rule, only observing with care : 

" 1. That the minutes be fully and accurately kept and recorded. 

" 2. That they be preserved in volumes, and not left to separate pam- 
phlets, and be carefully paged. 

"3. That they have blanks left for corrections and approval. 

"4. That the minutes of every meeting be duly authenticated by the writ- 
ten name of the Stated Clerk, or some other officer appointed to authenti- 
cate them." [Minutes of G. A., 1889, p. 101.] 

An act of incorporation was secured from the Legisla- 
ture of the State of New York in 1872. It is as follows : 

" An Act to incorporate the Trustees of the Presbytery of Westchester. 

" Section i. The Presbytery of Westchester, in connection with the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 
having designated from its membership the following persons, to wit : Charles 
W. Ba.ird, Rollin A. Sawyer, Nelson Millard, Anthony R. Macoubrey, Alex- 
ander S. Twombley, Eliphalet Wood, Gilbert B. Sarles, Joseph Banks, and 
Edward Wells, citizens of the United States, to be Trustees in their behalf, the 
said persons and their successors to be from time to time appointed by said 
Presbytery, are hereby created a body politic and corporate by the name of the 
Trustees of the Presbytery of Westchester. 

" Sec. 2. The said corporation shall, in law, be capable of taking for 
religious and charitable purposes, by gift, devise, bequest, grant, or purchase, 
and of holding, conveying, and otherwise disposing of the same, from time to 
time, all real and personal estate now held for the benefit of said Pres- 
bytery, or which hath been, or may hereafter, for the purposes of said Pres- 
bytery, and in the protection of its charitable or religious purposes, be given, 
devised, bequeathed, or granted to the said corporation by its name, or to the 
said Presbytery, or for charitable and religious uses thereof, or which may, in 



194 



THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 



any manner, have accrued, or shall accrue from the interest, income, or use of 
such real and personal estate, provided that the yearly income received from 
the property of the said corporation shall not exceed ten thousand dollars 
($10,000). 

" Sec. 3. The management and disposal of the affairs and property of the 
said corporation shall be in the hands of the said Trustees, and their suc- 
cessors in office from time to time ; and which Trustees shall hold their offices 
at the pleasure of the said Presbytery, and all vacancies shall be filled by the 
said Presbytery. 

" Sec. 4. The said corporation shall possess the general powers, rights, 
and privileges, and be subject to the liabilities and provisions contained in the 
18th chapter of First Part of the Revised Statutes, so far as the same are 
applicable, and also subject to the provisions of Chapter 360 of the Laws of 



i860. 



" Sec. 5. This act shall take effect immediately. 

"(Passed May 11, 1872; ch. 644, Laws* of State of New York, vol. -2, 



page 1528.)" 



Permanent Officers. 



STATED CLERKS. 



« 



Name. 



Date of Appointment. 
October 4, 1870. 
January 18, 18.81. 
April 21, 1886. 



1. Rev. Ezra F. Muncly, 

2. Rev. Carson W. Adams, 

3. Rev. William J. Gumming, 



PERMANENT CLERKS. 



r. Rev. George W. F. Birch, April 21, 1886. 
2. Rev. John H. Eastman, January 17, 1888. 



TREASURERS. 



1. Rev. Ezra F. Mundy, 

2. Rev. Carson W. Adams, 

3. Rev. George W. F. Birch, 

4. Rev. William J. dimming, 



October 5, 1870. 
January 18, 1881. 
April 21, 1886. 



January 17, 1888. 



HISTORIANS. 



1. Rev. Charles W. Baird, 

2. Rev. William J. Cumming, 



April 21, 1887. 



PERMANENT OFFICERS. 



I9S 



TRUSTEES. 



3- 
4- 

5- 
6. 

7- 
8. 
*9- 
10. 
*n. 

*I2. 
*I 3 . 

14. 
•15. 

*i6. 
*i7. 
*i8. 



Name. 
Rev. Charles W. Baird, 
Rev. Rollin A. Sawyer, 
Rev. Nelson Millard, 
Rev. Anthony R. Macoubrey 
Rev. Alexander S. Twombly, 
Elder Eliphalet Wood, 
Elder Gilbert B. Sarles, 
Elder Joseph Banks, 
Elder Edward Wells, 
Rev. Evert Van Slyke, 
Elder Uriah Hill, 
Rev. Richard P. H. Vail, 
Rev. Thornton M. Niven, 
Rev. Isaac L. Kip, 
Elder William H. Parsons 
Elder Thomas G. Ritch, 
Elder Benjamin Weed, 
Rev. John E. Bushnell, 



Date of Appointment. 
May 1 1, 1872. 



873. 



April 17, 1 

(C 

January 21 
April 20, 1887 



January 15 



1879. 



The salary of stated clerk was fixed, October 5, 1870, at 

$40 per annum. April 22, 1874, it was made $100. April 

21, 1 886, a change was made, and the office of Permanent 

Clerk created. The salary of the Stated Clerk was reduced 

to $75, and that of the Permanent Clerk fixed at $30. 
• 4 

* Present incumbents. 



INDEX OF DATES.* 



Page. 



1639, Aug. 3. First purchase of land in Westchester Co., N. Y., . 1 

1 64 1. Settlers at Tarrytown, N. Y., . . . . .1 

1649. A saw-mill at Yonkers, N. Y., .... .. 1 

1654, Nov. 14. Purchase of land by Thomas Pell at Westchester, N. Y., 2 

1655. Town of Westchester settled, . . . . 2 

1660. Rye settled, ........ 2 

1664. Eastchester, N. Y., settled, . . . . . .2 

1664, Sept. 8. New Amsterdam surrendered to the English. 

1665, March. Duke's Laws promulgated, ..... 20 
1674. Church erected at Westchester, N. Y., . . .6 

1680, Dec. 23. Purchase of land at Bedford, N. Y., . . 2 

1 68 1, March. Settlement of Bedford, N. Y., ... . . 2 
1683, Nov. 22. Purchase of land at White Plains, N. Y., . . 2 
1683, Nov. 24. Boundary line between New York and Connecticut 

agreed on, ........ 3 

1 686 or 7. New Rochelle, N. Y., settled by the Huguenots, . . 3 

1693, Sept. 19. Passage of Act for settling a ministry, etc., . . 22 

1699. Bill passed to settle ministry by majority vote of parish, . . 27 

1702, Nov. 19. Rev. John Bartow inducted by the Governor into the 

parish at Westchester, . . . . . .25 

1704, April. Rev. John Pritchard inducted into the parish of Rye, . 25 

1705. Resistance to the rector at Bedford, N. Y., . . .25 
1705. Rev. John Jones leaves Bedford, N. Y., . . . .26 
1708, May 30. Purchase of land at South Salem, N. Y., 2 
1708. Meeting of the Synod of Saybrook and adoption of Saybrook 

Platform, ... . . . . . .13 

1710. Division of Huguenot Church at New Rochelle, N. Y., . . 24 

1714, May 22. Letters Patent to Ridgefield issued by General Court of 

Connecticut, . . . . . . .-3 

1718, Nov. Rev. William Tennent settled at Eastchester, N. Y., . 26 

1720, March. Unsuccessful attempt to secure incorporation of -church 

at New York, ....... 29 

1720, May. Rev. William Tennent leaves Eastchester for Bedford, N. Y., 27 
1720. Bedford Church connected with the Presbytery of Philadelphia, 18 
1720. White Plains, N. Y., settled, ..... 2 

1727. Church erected at White Plains, N. Y., . . . 5 

1727. Rev. William Tennent leaves Bedford, . . . lt> 



* Index only of the dates of events of historic interest. 



INDEX OF DATES. 



Page. 



1730. Cortlandt Manor (Yorktown), N. Y., settled, ... 2 

1730. Philipse Patent (South East), N. Y., settled, 3 

1731. Survey of boundary line completed ; the " Oblong " laid out, . 3 

1732. Bedford Church connected with the Presbytery of New York, . 18 
1735. Log church at South East, N. Y., . . . . .6 
1738. Church building at Cromoond (Yorktown), N. Y., . 5 
1740. Carmel, N. Y., settled, . . . . . ' 3 
1740. Rev. Elisha Kent, pastor of the First Church of Philipse Patent 

(South East), N. Y., . . . . . .18 

1742. Rev. Samuel Sacket comes to Cortlandt Manor, N. Y., as a home 

missionary, . . ... . . . . 55 

1742, Dec. 30. Rev. John Smith installed pastor of Rye and White 

Plains, . . . . . . .54 

1743. Pound Ridge, N. Y., settled, . .... 3 
1743. Oct. 12. Rev. Samuel Sacket installed as pastor of the churches 

of Bedford and Crompond, . . . .18 

1743. Bedford and Crompond churches connected with the Presbytery 

of New Brunswick, . . . . - . . .18 

1745. Patterson, N. Y., settled, ...... 3 

1749, June 15. Rev. Samuel Sacket released from Crompond Church, 55 

1 7 51. Bedford Church connected with Presbytery of Suffolk, . . 18 

1752. Rev. James Davenport at West Philippi (Carmel j, N. Y., . 19 
1752, May 20. Church at Salem (South Salem), N. Y., organized, . 19 
1752, May 20. Rev. Solomon Mead installed pastor of the Salem 

Church, . . . . ' " . . •- . , '• Vjij 

1752, May 24. Salem Church votes to connect itself with Fairfield West 

Consociation, . . . . . .18 

1752. Rye and White Plains Churches connected with Presbytery of 
New York, . . . . . . ... 18 

1753, April 4. Rev. Samuel Sacket released from Bedford, . . 56 
1753, April. Rev. Samuel Sacket becomes pastor of the Crompond 

Church, ........ 18 

1753. Crompond Church connected with the Presbytery of Suffolk, . 18 
1756, Feb. 17. Rev. Ebenezer Knibloe installed at West Philippi 

(Gilead); N. Y., . . . . • . . -. 19 

1758, Mar. 29. Rev. Joseph Peck becomes pastor of Philipse Patent 

(Patterson, N. Y.,) Second Church, ... . .19 

1759, Aug. 29. Rev. Ebenezer Knibloe released from West Philippi, . 19 

1760, Rev. Elnathan Gregory at West Philippi, N. Y., . . . 19 

1762, Oct. 27. Presbytery of Dutchess County organized by Rev. 

Messrs. Elisha Kent, Joseph Peck, and Solomon Mead, . . 31 

1763, May 28. Application by Presbytery of Dutchess County to Synod 

of New York and Philadelphia for recognition, . . .32 

1763, June 28. Rev. Messrs. Samuel Sacket, John Smith, Eliphalet Ball, 

and Chauncey Graham, join Presbytery of Dutchess County, . 32 
1763, Aug. 1. Pastors and churches of Philippi and West Philippi 

ruled out of Fairfield East Consociation, . . . .17 



INDEX OF DATES. 



199 



Page. 

1763, Sept. 29. Salem Church adopts the Presbyterian form of church 

government and elects elders, . . .; . .16 

1763, Oct. 18. Po'keepsie (N. Y.) Church connected with Presbytery of 

Dutchess County, . . . . . .34 

1765, Sept. 9. Church of Albany, N. Y., enrolled, . . -35 

1766, May. Presbytery of Dutchess County recognized by the Synod of 

New York and Philadelphia, ..... 32 

1767, Oct. 14. Secession from Presbytery of Dutchess County of Rev. 

Samuel Sacket and Crompond Church, . . . .36 

1768, Church built at Mt. Pleasant (Sing Sing), N. Y., . . . 5 

1769, Feb. 8. Rev. Joseph Peck released from Second Church of 

Philipse Patent (Patterson), N. Y., ..... 19 
1769, April 8. A bill introduced into the General Assembly of the 
Province of New York to relieve Protestants in Westchester 
and other counties from taxation for support of ministers of the 
Church of England, ....... 28 

1769, Oct. 12.. Rev. Ichabod Lewis ordained and installed over the 

churches of White Plains and Mt. Pleasant, . . .34 

1770. Church organized at Pound Ridge, N. Y., . . . -35 

1770. Church organized at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, N. Y., . 35 

177 1, Feb. 26. Death of Rev. John Smith, . . . -55 
1775, May 23. Rev. Samuel Sacket transferred by the Synod back to 

the Presbytery of Dutchess County, . . . .36 

1775, May 23. Albany Church transferred by Synod to the Presbytery 

of New York, . .<'_... . .. .38 

1776, July 17. Death of Elisha Kent, ..... 53 
1776, Oct. British army invades Westchester County, . . .42 

1776, Nov. 4. Church at White Plains burned by American soldiers, . 44 

1777, June 18, Rev. Ichabod Lewis installed at Philippi, . . .44 
1779, June 24. Crompond Church burned by British soldiers, . . 45 
1779, J u ^y 2 - Churches at Bedford and Pound Ridge burned by British 

troops, ........ 45 

1779, Aug. 25. Church at Upper Salem organized as a Congregational 

Church, . . . . . . -38 

1779, Oct. 18. Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green and Joseph Grover of Han- 

over and Parsippany Churches in New Jersey withdraw from the 
Presbytery of New York, . . . . .58 

1780, May 3. Rev. Amzi Lewis of Florida, N. Y., and Rev. Ebenezer 

Bradford of Succasunna, N. J., withdraw from Presbytery of 



New York, ........ 


59 


1780, May 3. Morris County Presbytery organized by Rev. Messrs. 




Green, Grover, Lewis, and Bradford, 


59 


1783. Church at Bedford rebuilt, . ... 


46 


1784, June 5. Rev. Samuel Sacket dies, ..... 


56 


1784. Church built at Red Mills, N. Y., 


8 


1784. Destructive visitation of insects, ..... 


46 


1785. Church at Crompond rebuilt, ..... 


46 


26 





200 



INDEX OF DATES. 



Page. 



1785. Nov. Rev. Silas Constant becomes stated supply of Crompond, 

N. Y., 60 

1786, May 18. Rev. Silas Constant enrolled as advisory member by 

Presbytery of Dutchess County, ...... 93 

1786, Sept. 4. Philippi Church adopts Presbyterian standards and gov- 
ernment, with the exception of the eldership, . . .38 

1786. Church at Pound Ridge rebuilt, . . . . .46 

1787. Rev. Amzi Lewis at North Salem, ..... 62 

1788. Congregational Church organized at Greenburgh, N. Y., . . 8 
1790. Cherry Valley Church transferred to the Presbytery of Albany, . 38 
1790, Sept. 12. Church organized at Red Mills, N. Y., . . . 8 
1792, Jan. 3. Associated Westchester Presbytery organized, . . 63 

1792. New church for West Philippi congregation erected at Gilead, . 70 

1793, Nov. 12. Northern Associated Presbytery organized, . . 86 

1793, Church at Rye rebuilt, . . . . ... 46 

1794, May 8. Rev. Silas Constant withdraws from the Presbytery of 

Dutchess County, . . . . . 93 

1795, O ct - 22 * Presbytery of Dutchess County dissolved and Presbytery 

of Hudson erected, . . . . < . .52 

1797. Church building erected at Peekskill, N. Y., ... 8 

1799. Church erected at Somers, N. Y., ..... 8 

1800, Sept. 4. Rev. Solomon Mead released from the Salem Church, . 34 
1804. Elders first elected in the Franklin (Patterson, N. Y.) Church, . 38 
1806, March 4. Division of Yorktown Church, . . . -73 

1806, June 11.. Yorktown Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Hud- 

son, ......... 75 

1807, Feb. 3. Saratoga Associated Presbytery organized, . . 86 
1809, April 22. Union Church (South East) dismissed to Fairfield East 

Consociation, . . . . . 96 

1809, Oct. 5. Presbytery of New York reorganized, . . .96 

181 1, Aug. 2. Mt. Pleasant Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New 

York, .. v . ..... 91 

181 2, Mar. 30. New Rochelle (N. Y.) Church organized, . . 96 

181 5. Church built at West Farms, N. Y., . . . .96 

1816, May. Independent Presbyterian Church at Peekskill. N. Y., 

organized, . . . ... , . . 79 

1816, Dec. 4. Church organized at West Farms, . . .97 

1819, Oct. 23. Presbytery of North River erected, . . .98 

1820, Oct. 5. Mt. Pleasant Church returns to the Associated West- 

chester Presbytery, . . . . . .91 

1822, Sep. 17. Pound Ridge Church enrolled by the Presbytery of North 

River, . » . . . . . . .99 

1823, Woman's Missionary Society organized in the Bedford Church, 186 

1824, Sep. 23. Application of North Salem Church to the Presbytery 

of North River to be reorganized as a Presbyterian Church, . 99 
1824, April 25. A church organized at White Plains, N. Y., . . 98 



INDEX OF DATES. 



20 I 



Page. 



1824, Oct. 21. White Plains Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New 

York, . . . . ... . .98 

1825, April 1.1. South Greenburgh Church organized, . . .98 
1825, April 22. South Greenburgh Church enrolled by the Presbytery 

' ' of New York, .... . . . .98 

1825, April 26. South East Church received by the Presbytery of North 

River, ........ 99 

1825, June 18. Church at Greenburgh reorganized, . . . 98 

1825, Oct. 11. Greenburgh Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New 

York, . • 98 

1826, June 25. A church organized at Peekskill, N. Y., . . . 79 
1826, June 28. Church at Peekskill enrolled by the Presbytery of New 

York, 98 

1826, Oct. 10. Mt. Pleasant Church returns to the Presbytery of New 

York, ........ 91 

1827, Nov. 28. First Bench of elders elected by the South East Church, 16 
1829, Mar. 4. Rye Church reorganized, ..... 97 
1829, April '21. Rye Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, 98 

1829, Oct. 22. Presbytery of Bedford erected, .... 102 

1830, June 2. Associated Westchester Presbytery dissolved, . . 92 

1831, April 19. South Salem received by Presbytery of Bedford, . 109 

1832, May 2. North Salem Church reorganized as a Presbyterian 

Church, . . .... . ~ . . . . 109 

1832, Oct. Peekskill Church transferred by Synod to the Presbytery of 

New York, . . . . . . . .111 

1833, May 2. Somers Church reorganized as a Presbyterian Church, . no 

1833, Oct. 1. Somers Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Bedford, . 108 

1834, May 28. Woman's Missionary Society organized in the South 

Salem Church, ....... 186 

1835, June 16. Gilead Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Bedford, . no 
1835, Oct. West Farms Church transferred by Synod to the Second 

Presbytery of New York, . . . . . .111 

.1837, May. Plan of Union abrogated, and the Synods of the Western 

Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and Genesee exscinded, . . . 135 

1838, May 18. Division of the Presbyterian Church into Old and New 

School Branches, . . . ; . . 135 

1838. Division of the Church at Somers, .... 137 

1838, Oct. 17. Peekskill Church transferred to Second Presbytery of 

New York, . . . . . . . .111 

1839, April 3. Somers Church received by the Third Presbytery of 

New York, ........ 138 

1839, July 5. Church organized at Thompsonville, Conn., . . 143 

1839, July 9. Thompsonville Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New 

York, ......... 143 

1841, Nov. 17. Peekskill Second Church organized, . . .176 

1845, April 15- Church at Tariffville, Conn., enrolled by the Presbytery 

of New York, . . ' . . . . 144 



202 



INDEX OF DATES. 



Page. 

1846, Jan. 20. Croton Falls Church incorporated, . . . 138 

1847. Church edifice erected, ...... 138 

1849 or '5°- Greenburgh Church joins the Classis of New York, . 11 1 

1849, Oct. Mt. Pleasant Church transferred from Presbytery of Bed- 

ford to Second Presbytery of New York, . . . .111 

1850, Jan. 16. First Presbyterian Church of Morrisania organized, . 178 

1850, Oct. 15. Presbytery of Connecticut erected, . . . 144 

1851, Nov. 4. First Presbyterian Church of Hartford organized and 

enrolled by the Presbytery of Connecticut, . . . 147 

1852, April 26. First Presbyterian Church of Yonk<*rs, N. Y., organ- 

ized, ......... 177 

1852, May 10. First Church of Yonkers enrolled by the Third Pres- 
bytery of New York, ...... 177 

1852, June 15. Church at Mt. Kisco, N. Y., organized by the Presbytery 

of Bedford, . . . . . . . .110 

1852, Aug. 9. Church at Portchester, N. Y., organized and enrolled by 

the Presbytery of Bedford, . . * . . .110 

1853, Feb. 25. First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, Conn., organ- 

ized, . . . . . . ' . . . 147 

1853, Mar. 1. Stamford First Church enrolled by the Third Presbytery 
of New York. 

1853, June 14. South East Center Church organized by a committee of 

the Presbytery of Bedford, . . . . . .111 

1853, Oct. 16. The First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport, Conn., 

organized, ........ 149 

1853, Oct. 31. Bridgeport First Church enrolled by the Presbytery of 

New York, ........ 149 

1854, Jan. 15. Second Presbyterian Church of Greenburgh (Irvington), 

N. Y., organized, . . . . . . .177 

1854, Jan. 23. Greenburgh Second Church enrolled by the Thivd Pres- 
bytery of New York. 

1854, Nov. 8. Union Presbyterian Church of Upper Morrisania (Tre- 

mont), N. Y., enrolled by the Third Presbytery of New York, . 177 

1855, July 8. Throgg's Neck Church organized, .... 177 

1855, O ct - 9- Throgg's Neck Church enrolled by the Presbytery of 

New York, . . . ... . . 177 

1856, July 27. Presbyterian Church of Deep River, Conn., organized, 148 

1856, Oct. 8. Deep River Church enrolled by Presbytery of Connecti- 

cut, . . . . . . . . . 148 

1857, May 25. The First Presbyterian Church of Morrisania reorgan- 

ized by the Presbytery of New York, . . . - 178 

1857, Oct. 27. Scotch Presbyterian Church of Providence, R. I., organ- 

ized and enrolled by the Presbytery of Connecticut. . . 149 

1858, Feb 3. Westminster Church of Yonkers, N. Y., organized, . 177 
1858, Feb. 15. Westminster Church enrolled by the Third Presbytery 

of New York. 



INDEX OF DATES. '203 

Page. 

i860, Oct. 18. Rye, Port Chester, South East, and South East Center 
Churches, with their pastors, and the Bridgeport First Church 
and its pastor, transferred from the Presbyteries of Bedford and 
New York to that of Connecticut, . . . . .150 

1862, Oct. 23. Presbytery of Bedford consolidated with the Presbytery 

of Connecticut, . . . . . . .151 

1862, Oct. 23. South Greenburgh Church transferred from Presbytery 

of Bedford to the Second Presbytery of New York, . . 141 

1863, Apr. 6. Westminster Church withdrew from the Third Presbytery 

of New York to the Second, . . . . .177 

1863, Oct. 4. Riverdale Church organized, . . . .177 

1863, Oct. 12. Riverdale Church enrolled by the Fourth Presbytery of 

New York, . . . . . . . . 177 

1863, Nov. 4. Darien Church organized and enrolled by the Fourth 

Presbytery of New York, . . . . . .-178 

1865, Aug. German Church of Bridgeport, Conn., organized by the 

Presbytery of Connecticut, . . . . . .152 

1866, Mar. 8. First Presbyterian Church of Morrisania reorganized, . 178 
1866, Apr. 2. First Church of Morrisania enrolled by the Presbytery of 

New York, ........ 178 

1869, Oct. 6. German Church of Bridgeport, Conn., disbanded, . 152 

1869, Nov. 12. Reunion of the Old and New School Branches of the 

Presbyterian Church, . . . . . .160 

1870, June 21. Presbytery of Westchester erected, . . . 164 

187 1, Oct. 17. Deep River (Conn.) Church dissolved, . . . 182 

1872, Nov. 17. Katonah (N. Y.) Church organized, . . . 180 

1873, Feb. 24. South Reformed Church of New Haven, Conn , recog- 

nized by the Presbytery of Westchester as the First Presbyterian 
Church of New Haven, ...... 181 

1873, April 16. Katonah Church enrolled by the Presbytery of West- 
chester, ........ 176 

1873, May I2 - First Presbyterian Church of North New York organi- 
zed, ......... 180 

1873, J une I0 - North New York Church enrolled by the Presbytery of 

Westchester, . . . . . . . .176 

1875, Mar. 1. First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, Conn., dis- 

solved, ........ 181 

1876, Oct. 8. Huguenot Memorial Church, Pelham Manor, N. Y., or- 

ganized, ........ 180 

1876, Oct. 18. Huguenot Memorial Church enrolled by the Presbytery 

of Westchester, . . . . . . .176 

1879, April 21. Dayspring Church of Yonkers, N. Y., organized, . 180 

1879, April 30. Dayspring Church enrolled by the Presbytery of West- 

chester, . . . . . . . .176 

1880, Jan. 19. Pleasantville (N. Y.) Church organized, . . .180 
1880, Jan. 20. Pleasantville Church enrolled by the Presbytery of 

Westchester, . . . . . . .176 



204 i INDEX OF DATES. 

• 

Page. 

1880, Oct. I. Presbyterial Woman's Missionary Society organized, . 186 

1880, Oct. 6. Church at Somers, N. Y., dissolved, . . . 183 

1881, Jan. Services begun at Brewster's Station, . . . 182 
1881, April 26. First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, Conn., organ- 
ized, . . . . . ' . . 180 

1881, June 21. Greenwich Church enrolled by the Presbytery of West- 
chester, . . . . . . . .176 

1886, Feb. 19. First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, Conn., organ- 
ized, . . . . . . . ' . 180 

1886, April 20. New Haven Church enrolled by the Presbytery of 

Westchester, . . . . . . .176 

1887, June 23. First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon, N. Y., organ- 

ized and enrolled by the Presbytery of Westchester, . . 180 

1887, Oct. 19. The Bethany, West Farms, Pott's Memorial, Tremont, 
and Riverdale Churches, with their pastors, transferred to the 
Presbytery of New York, . { . . . . 183 



V 



GENERAL INDEX. 



141, 1 



Abbott, Rev. Gorham D., 
Abercrombie, Colonel, 
Abstracts of Minutes, 
''Act and Testimony," 
" Act for settling a Ministry," etc. 
Adam, Rev. Matthew T., 
Adams, Rev. Carson W., 
Albany Church, . 
Albany, N. Y., . 
Albany, Presbytery of, 
Allen, Rev. Edward B., . 
Allen, Rev. John S., 
Allerton, Rev. Isaac, 
Allison, Rev. Charles E., 
Ambler, Abraham, 
Amenia (N. Y.) Union Church, . 
American Board of Commissioners for 
American Education Society, 
American Home Missionary Society, 
Anderson, Elder James, . 
Anderson, Licentiate James M., . 
Armstrong, Rev. Robert G., 
Assessments, 
Associated Presbyteries, . 
Associated Presbytery of Morris County 
Associated Westchester Presbytery 



Bailey, Rev. Samuel, 
Bailey, Rev. Winthrop, . 
Baird, Rev. Charles W., . 
Baird, Rev. Henry M., . 
Baird, Rev. Isaac, 
Baird, Rev. James, 
Baldwin, Rev. Charles H., 
Baldwin, Rev. Elihu, 
Baldwin, Rev. Henry, 
Baldwin, Rev. Methuselah, 
Ball, Rev. Eliphalet, 
Ball, Rev. Hosea, 



44, 145 



Foreis 



■45 



146, 150, 1 



Page. 
107, 138, 139 

45 
192 

'3 1 ' !3 2 . *34 
23, 24, 27, 28 
104, 105, 175 
171, '75> *93 
33, 35, 37, 38 
86 

39. 95 
166, 174 
168, 172, 175 
66, 67, 91 
167, 169, 176 
6, 10 
65, 68, 91, 99 
Missions, . . 119 

"9, l 3S 

158 

147 
98, 100 
122 
87 
59 

39, 5 8 -94 
146 

104, 108, 114, 144, 146, 150 
146, 158, 163, 165, 169, 173, 194 
. 166 
166, 169, 170 
145, 146, 165, 172 
i73 
79 
18 

33, 35, 3 6 > 40, 5 2 , 73, 77 
l8 , 3 2 , 33, 34, 36, 37 
66, 68, 82, 91, 92, 106 



206 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Barfield, Rev. Abraham, 
Barnes' Notes on Romans, 
Barnes, Rev. Albert, 
Barnet, Rev. John, 
Barnum, Rev. Frederick S., 
Barret, Rev. Gerrish, 
Barr, Rev. James, 
Bartlett, Rev. D wight R., 
Bartow, Rev. John, 
Baskerville, Rev. Henrv C, 
Beadle, Rev. E. R., 
Beardsley, Rev. Broman B.. 
Beattie, Rev. James, 
Bedford, N. Y., . 
Bedford (N. Y.) Church, 6. 



Page. 

35 
133 

128, 132, 133 
• 65, 76 
. 166, 175 
144 
65, 82 
174 
25 
168 

i45 
106 

J 75 

2, 5, 6, 23, 25, 26, 27, 36, 96 

[6, I", 18, 24, 27, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 45, 46, 



5 2 



68, 69, 95, 99, 
"5 



roo, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 109, 



Bedford, Presbytery of, 
Bellamy, Rev. Joseph, . 
Benedict, Rev. Abner, . 
Benedict, Rev. Amzi, . 
Benedict, Rev. Epenetus P., 
Benedict, Rev. Henry, . 
Benedict, Rev. Joel, 
Benevolence, 

Berkshire, Association of, 
Bethany Church, 
Bethlehem, N. Y., 
Bible Cause, 
Bible Society, . 
Biographical Sketches, 
Birch, Rev. George W. F., 
Bittinger, Rev. Edmund C, 
Blackford, Rev. Robert A., 
Blain, Rev. William, 
Blair, Rev. Allan, 
Blatchford, Rev. Samuel, 
Blindbur, Rev. John, . 
Blydenburgh, Rev. John, 
Bonar, Rev. James B., 
Bond, Rev. Daniel, 
Bondet (or Boudet) Rev. — 
Booth, Rev. Robert R., 
Botsford, Rev. Alfred P., 
Boundary settled, 
Bourne, Rev. George, . 
Bouton, Elder Edwin, . 



102, 1 



22, 145, 146, 151, 165, 167, 171 
95, 102-142, 151 
• . 14 
63, 64, 65, 68 
67 

03, 105, 113, 114, 135, 145, 146, 158 
68, 104, 108, 114, 144, 146, 150 

• ' 35 
82, 1 19-123, 185 

85 

166, 167, 176, 180 

74 
122 
120 

53-57, 9 2 ~94 
167, 176, 194 
106 
166, 171 
68 

65, 67, 68, 69, 82, 91 
34, 35 
35 
35 
166 

173 
24 
174 
107 
13 

66, 80, 91, 100 
156 



GENERAL INDEX. 



207 



Bouton, Rev. Enoch, . 
Bowen, Rev. Marcellus, 
Bowers, Rev. Nathaniel, 
Bowman, Rev. George A., 
Boyd, Rev. John, 
Boynton, Rev. George M., 
Bradford, Rev. Ebenezer, 
Bradner, Rev. Benoni, 
Bradner, Rev. Thomas Scott, 
Brewster, Elder Samuel, 
Brewster's Station, N. Y., 
Bridge, Rev. Christopher, 
" Brief Account of the Associated Presbyter 
Bridgeport (Conn.) First Church, 
Bridgeport (Conn.) German Church, 
Bristol, Rev. Cyrus B., 
British Army, . 
Bromfield, Rev. Edward T., . 
Bronson, Rev. Asahel, 
Brookfield (Conn.) Church, . 
Brooklyn, N. Y., 
Brown, Nathaniel, 
Brown, Rev. Christopher R., 
Brown, Rev. Daniel, . 
Brown, Rev. William Y., 
Bryan, Rev. Edward D., 
Buchanan, Rev. J. M., 
Buckingham, Rev. Stephen, . 
Bull, Rev. William, . 
Bullions, Rev. Alexander B., 
Burbank, Rev. Jacob, 
Burghardt, Rev. P. H., 
Burkhalter, Rev. Edward R., 
Burnet, Rev. Eliezur, . 
Burr, Rev. Charles H., Jr., . 
Burr, Rev. Marcus, 
Burritt, Rev. Blackleach, 
Butler, Rev. Charles F., 
Butts, Rev. Joshua, . 
Byllesby, Rev. Faber, 

Caldwell, N. J., 
Calkins, Rev. Lyman D., 
Camp, Rev. John, 
Campbell, Rev. Robert, 
Canterbury, Archbishop of, . 
Carhart, Licentiate Charles Lyman, 
Carlisle, N. Y., 
27 



104, 



114, 



es, etc., 
144, 145, 146, 



[49, 150, 



107, 



99, 



66, 82 
168 
18 
166 
68 

165, 173 
59 
86 

108, 145, 151 

151, i8r, 182 
27 

87 

165, 167, 171 
146, 152 

103, 108, 109 
42 

167, 168 
67, 68, 1 01 

65, 69 
66 

79 
168 

173 

168, 173 
144, 146, 150 

174 
18 

68 

108, 166 
99 
174 

166, 169, 172 

73> 74 
166, 169, 173 



33, 35, 45, 46, 52 
101, 102, 103, 105 
104, 107, 109 
166 



[3. "4. 



168. 



68 

i74 

86 

65, 85, 86 
21 
170 

69 



208 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Carlton, Rev. Marcus *M., 
Carmel, N. Y., 
Carmichael, Rev. J. M., 
Carpenter, Elder Philemon H., 
Carter, Rev. Samuel T., 
Case, Rev. Wheeler, . 
Catechisms of Associated Presbyteries, 
Catechisms, Westminster, . 
Chamberlain, Licentiate Albert, 
Chapman, Rev. Robert, 
Charles II, 

Charlotte Precinct (N. Y.) Church, 
Cherry Valley (N. Y.) Church, 
Childs, Rev. Thomas S., . . 144, 146, 

Choate, Rev. Washington, . 
Church Buildings, 
Church Extension, 

Churches in the Province of New York, 
Churches in Westchester County and Philipse Patent, 
Churches, Rolls of, . 18-19, 33-35, 66-69, 99-101, 105 
Church Lands, 
Church of England, . . . . 4, 7, 

Church of England, Opposition to, 
Church Rates, . . . ' . 5, 9, 10, 1 

Church Services, 
Cincinnati Memorial, 

Civil Courts of Westchester County, N. Y 
Civil status of the early churches 
Clark, Ebenezer, 
Clark,'-Rev. John, . 
Classis of New York, 
Cleaveland/Rev. Edwards P., 
Clinton, Governor George, . 

Clinton Precinct, Presbyterian Providence Society 
Close, Licentiate John, 
Close, Rev. David, . 
Close, Solomon, 
Cobb, Rev. Elisha G., 
Cochi-an, Rev. Isaac W., 
Cold Spring (N. Y.) Church, 
Coleman, Rev. James W., . 
Collections, . 

Collins, Rev. Charles J., . 
Collins, Rev, J., 
Colver, Rev. Anthony W., . 
Commissioners' Fund, 
Commissioners of Charles II, 
Committeemen, 



34, 35 



47. i' 



14 



144, 147 

3. 70 
146 

133 
176 

40, 45. 49» 5 1 
83 
3 T > 3 2 
108, 158 

99 
20, 22 

33. 34, 37, 45 
33- 35' 37, :8 
151, 163, 167 
167, 171 
5 

47-149, 177-183 
7 
7 

08, 145-146, 171-176 
5 

22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 
25, 26 

20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 

4, 6 

I • 45 
20-30 

97 

98, 100 
in 

167, 169, 170, 171 
47 
35' 37 
39. 5 1 

• 33- 34> 35. 4o 

63 

• 1 173 
145, 146, 147, 158 

102, 164 
165, 171, 176, 178 
52, 121-123, 156, 185 
167 
174 
171 
122 
20 
no 



167, 



128, 



GENERAL INDEX. 



209 



Confession of Faith, Westminster, . . .14, 31, 32, 51, 191 

Connecticut Churches, Polity and Creed of, . . l2 ~ l S 

Connecticut, General Association of, . . . 88, 89 

Connecticut, General Court of, . . . 5, 10, 13, 14 

Connitt, Rev. George W., ...... 144, 146, T48 

Constant, Rev. Silas, 7, 8, 33, 34, 35, 36, 49, 50, 52, 59, 62, 65, 66, 68, 70, 71, 
72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 84, 87, 88, 89, 90, 92-94 
Constitution of the Associated Westchester Presbytery, . 63-64 

Contingent Fund, ....... 122 

" Convention of Correspondence" of the Associated Presbyteries, 86-87 
Cornbury, Lord, . . . . . . . 21, 25, 26 

Corning, Rev. James L., . . . . . 174 

Cornwall (Ct.) Church, . . . . . . 64, 67, 69, 91 

Cornwall, Rev. John, . . . . .62, 63, 64, 67, 76, 90 

Cortlandt Manor, Settlement of, . . 1, 2 

Cotton, Rev. John, ...... 15 

Country, The State of, . . . . 4 I -47, 160-162 

Cox, Rev. Samuel Hanson, . . . . . 165, 169 

Crane, Rev. Daniel, ...... 98 

Credentials of Ministers, ...... 20, 21 

Crittenden, Rev. Samuel W., ..... 104,108,109 

Crocker, Rev. Daniel, . . . . . . 10 r 

Crompond (N. Y.) Church, . 17, 18, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 45, 46, 52, 55, 56 

Croton Falls (N. Y.) Church, . . 103, 104, 108, 138, 145, 146, 151, 

166, 167, 168, 171 

Croton River, . . . . . . 42, 45 

Cumming, Rev. Alexander, ..... 3° 

dimming, Rev. William J., .... 167, 169, 176, 194 

Cummings, Rev. Lawrence P., . . . . 167, 173 

Daggett, Rev. Herman, . . . . . 66, 67, too 

Danner, Rev. Julius L., . . . . . . 167 

Darien (Ct.) Church, . . . . 165, 167, 168, 171, 178 

Davenport, Rev. Henry A., .... 167, 171 

Davenport, Rev. James, . . . . . . 18, 19 

Davenport, Rev. James R., . . . . . 103, 107 

Davenport, Rev. John, . . . . 33, 34, 49, 50 

Davison, Rev. Isaac S-, . . . . . . 168 

Davison, Rev. Robert A., ..... 166, 175 

Day, Rev. Ezra H., ...... 65, 68, 82 

Days of Fasting and Prayer, . . . . 41, 42, 46, 47 

Dayspring Church, Yonkers, N. Y., .... 167, 176 

Dean, Elder Richard, ...... 125 

Dean, Licentiate William H., . . . . . 108 

Dean, Licentiate Oliver S., 108 

Deep River (Ct.) Church, .... 144, 146, 148, 171, 182 

Deer Park (N. Y.) Church, ..... 52, 68 

Delevan, Rev. David, ...... 66 



210 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Demarest, Rev. James, Jr., ..... 166, 173 

Denham, Rev. Thomas, . . . . . . 9, 18 

Destructive visitation of insects, .... 46 

DeVries, Rev. J. Hendricks, ..... 168, 170 

DeWitt, Rev. John, ...... 171 

Dexter, Rev. W. Hart, ..... 168, 170, 174, 175 

Dey, Rev. Richard N., . . . . . . 66, 92 

Dickerson, Rev. Jonathan, . . . 101, 102, 103, 121, 131, 135 

Directory for Worship, ..... 31,32,190,191 

Discipline, Book of, . . . 30, 31, 32, 48, 49, 50, 189, 190, 191 

Division of the Yorktown Church, . s . . . 7 1—78 

Division of Somers Church, ..... 137-138 

Division of 1837-8, . ..... 128-140 

Dixon, Rev. John, . ..... 167, 176 

Doctrinal Belief of the Churches of Connecticut, . . I 3 -I 4 

Dodd, Rev. Ira S., ...... 168, 173 

Dodd, Rev. Stephen, . . . . .65, 67, 68, 76, 82, 88 

Dongan, Governor, . . . . . 21 

Dover (N. Y.) Church, ...... 35, 37, 39 

Dow, Licentiate James W., ..... 170 

Dowd, Rev. Willis W., . . . . . 4 167, 173 

Draper, Licentiate Allan W., ..... 170 

Dudley, Rev. LaFayette, ..... 166 

Duke's Laws, . . - . ' . . . . 5, 10, 20 

Dumont, Rev. A. Henry, ..... 144 

Dunlap, Licentiate John, ..... 170 

Dunlop, Rev. Samuel, . . . . . 32, 33, 35 

Dutch Church at Tarrytown, N. Y., 1 
Dutch Settlers, . .... . . . 1 

Dutchess County, Presbytery of, . . . . 31-57, 60, 71, 74, 75 

Dwight, Rev. Dr. Timothy, ..... 42 

Dye, Rev. Charles B., ..... 145, 165, 174 

Eastchester, N. Y., . . . . .2, 5, 7, 8, 23, 25, 26 

Eastchester Church, ...... 5, 2,7 

East Haven, Conn., ...... 65 

Eastman, Rev. John H., . . . . . 167, 169, 176, 193 

East Windsor Theological Seminary, . . . 141 

Ecclesiastical lands, ...... 5 

Ecclesiastical Status of the Early Churches, . . . 12-19 

Eddy, Rev. William K., . . . . . 167, 169, 170 

Education, . . . . . . . 122 

Education, Board of, ..... 120 

" Edwardian " Theology, ...... 80,85,87 

Eggleston, Elder James O., ..... 158 

Eldership of the Early Churches, . . . 15, 37, 38, 51 

Elmsford (N. Y.) Church, ..... 8, 62, 98 

Ely, Rev. , ....... 101 



GENERAL INDEX. 



2 T I 



Ely, Rev. James, 
Ely, Rev. John, 
Ely, Rev. Samuel R., 
Emmons, Rev. Dr., 
England, Church of, 
English Settlers, . 
" Equivalent Lands, The," 
Esperance, N. Y., . 

Fagnani, Rev. Charles P., . 
Fairfield Co. (Ct.) Old Consociati 
Fairfield East Consociation, 
Fairfield West Consociation, 
Faitoute, Rev. George, 
Federal Constitution, 
Felt, Rev. Joseph B., 
Finney, Rev. Spencer L., . 
Fish, Rev. Peter, 
Fisher, Elder William, 
Fishkill (N. Y.) Church, . 
Fitchville, Conn., . 
Fitzpatrick, Licentiate James, 
Fletcher, Governor, 
Fletcher, Rev. Donald, 
Florida (N.Y.) Church, . 
Foot, Rev. Joseph I., 
Form of Government, . . 30, 3 

Forsyth, Rev. Joseph, 
Foster, Joseph C, . 
Frame, Rev. Reuben, 
Franklin (N. Y.) Church, . 
Franklin, Delaware Co., N. Y., 
Frazee, Rev. John H., 
Fredericksburgh (N. Y.) Church, 
Fredericksburgh (N. Y.) West Church, 
Freeland, Rev. Daniel N., . 
Freeman, Rev. John N., 
Freeman, Rev. Jonathan, . 
French Settlers, 
Frey, Rev. Joseph F.CS, 

Gallagher, Rev. George W., 
Gardner, Rev. William, 
Garfield, President, Death of, 
General Association of Connecticut, 
General Association of New York, 
General Court of Connecticut, 
George I, 



49 



4, 7, 



50, 81 



103 



144, 163, 165 
99 

103, 107, 109 
14 

3, 25, 26, 27, 28 
1 
3 



"168, 176 
14, 18 

18, 19, 38, 90, 96, 124 

19 
96 
46-7 
100 
167 
96 
158 
34, 39, 99 
- 147 
170 
22, 23 
166, 169, 176 

59 
103 

130, 188, 189, 190, 191 
104, 106 
104, 107, 108, 109 
107, 112, 135, 140, 142 
34, 52, 65, 69, 95, 100 
69 

167, 172 
33, 34 

33, 35, 37,38, 39, 5 1 

168, 176 
166, 173 

5 2 
3 

65, 67, 80, 84-85 



167, 169, 170 
168, 170 
192 

88, 89 
88 

5, IO , r 3, H 
21 



2\2 



GENERAL INDEX. 



George II, . 
George III, 
Georgia, 

Gibbs, Rev. Daniel, 
Gibson, Rev. Robert P., 
Gifts of land' to ministers, 
Gilead Church, Carmel, N. Y., 

Gleson, Rev. Luther, 
Goodhue, Rev. George F., 
Goshen (Ct.) Church, 
Goshen (N. Y.) Church, . 
Gospel Propagation Society, 
Government, Form of, 
Governors, Royal, Instructions to, 
Graham, Rev. Chauncey, . 
Grant, Rev. Ebenezer, 
Gray, Rev. Thomas M., 
Gray, Rev. William, 
Green, Rev. Elijah W., 
Green, Rev. Jacob, 101, 102,* 103, 
Greenburgh (N. Y.) Church, 8, 
Greenburgh (N. Y.) Second Church, 
Greenburgh (N. Y.) South Church, < 
Greenleaf, Rev. Joseph, Jr., 
Greenwich, Conn., 
Greenwich (Ct.) First Church, 
Gregory, Rev. Daniel S., . 
Gregory, Rev. Elnathan, 
" Gregory's Parish," 
Griffith, Rev. Griffith H., . 
Grover, Rev. Joseph, 
Gubby, Rev. James, 

Haight, Rev. Sylvanus, 
Halliday, Rev. David M., . 
Halloway, Rev. Charles H., 
Hall's Corner, N. Y., 
Halsey, Rev. Samuel P., 
Hammond, Rev. Israel, 
Hancock, Rev. John, 
Hanna, Rev. William, 
Hanover (N. Y.) Church, . 
Hanover, N. J., 
Harrison, Rev. Marcus, 
Harrower, Rev. David, 
Hartford (Ct.) Church, 



21, 22 
21 

82 

166, [69 
1.68, 171 

9 

7, 19, 65, 67, 69, 70, 89, 91, 108, no, 122, 
145, 146, 151, 166, 167, 168, 171 
86 

104, 105, 144, 146, 150 

. 69 

Sh 5 2 
4,25 

30, 32, 48, 49, 81, 188, 189, 190, 191 

21 

3 2 , 33. 34, 35> 37, 40, 53 
73» 75» 76, 77, 98, 100, 101 
. 165, 169, 174 
66, 100 
168, 169, 170 
105, 109, 112, 125, 131, 132, 135, 137, 142 
62, 65, 67, 89, 101, 104, 106, in, 115, 121 
... . 171, 177 

»8, 101, 103, 104, 106, 121, 122, 141, 165, 174 

166 
2, 6, 7 

166, 168, 176, 179, 180 
145, 146, 165, 174 
19 

19, 35, 70 
67, 103, 124, 127 

59 

. 144, 146, 149 

65, 68, 82 

165, 172 
145, 146, 165, 172 

98 
174 
66, 92 

166, 172 

33, 35 
18, 34 
58 

99, 101 

65, 82 

144, 146, 147, 165, 171 



GENERAL INDEX. 213" 

Hartford, Conn., . . . . . . I, 147 

Hartford North Association, ..... 15 

Harvey, Rev. Joseph, ...... 143, 144, 145 

Hawley, Licentiate Samuel S., . . . . 108 

Hawley, Rev. Charles, ...... 172 

Hawley, Rev. Silas, ...... 173 

Hawley, Rev. , . . . . . 101 

Hays, Licentiate Frank H., ..... 170 

Hayt, Elder John, ....... 73, 74 

Hazeltine, Rev. Henry M., ..... 166, 172 

Hazzard, Licentiate Joseph, ..... 40 

Heads of Agreement, ...... 13, 14, 15 

Heathcote, Col. Caleb, . . . . . 4, 6, 24, 25 

Hedges, Rev. , ...... 108 

Heermance, Rev. Edgar L., . . . . . 166, 169, 175 

Hempstead Plains, N. Y., . . . . . 20, 96 

Henderson, Rev. Josiah, ...... 100 

Hendricks, Rev. John, ...... 101 

Henry, Rev. James V., . . . .' . 103,106,142 

Heresy, ........ 84, 169 

Heroy, Rev. Peter B., . . 104, 105, 145, 146, 151, 165, 169, 171 

Hewit, Rev. Nathaniel, ..... 144, 146, 149, 150 

Hickok, Rev. Jonas, . . . . . 65, 67, 82 

Highlands, Orange Co., N. Y., . ' . . . . 66, 91 

Hinsdale, Rev. Horace G., ... 145, 146, 158, 165, 171 

Historians, . . . . . . . . 163, 194 

Hobbs, Rev. J. Howard, ...... 168, 170, 176 

Hodge, Licentiate Hugh Lenox, ..... 170 

Hodge, Licentiate Richard Morse, ..... 170 

Hodge, Rev. E. B., . . . ... 181 

Hodge, Rev. J. Aspinwall, . . . 145, 146, 159, 165, 171 

Hodge, Rev. William H., . . . . . . 145, 146 

Hoes, Rev. R. Randall, . . . . . 167,172 

Holyoke, Mass., . . . . . . . 147 

Hopewell, Orange Co., N. Y., ..... 52 

Hopkins, Elder Reuben, . ... . . . 73 

Hopkins, Rev. David, . . . . . . 172 

Horton, Daniel, ....... 73 

Hotchkin, Rev. Beriah, ...... 86 

Howell, Rev. Jesse L., ..... 104, 106, 109 

Hoyt, Rev. James H., . . . . . . 167,171 

Hudson, Presbytery of, 52, 73, 74, 75, 79, 91, 95-6, 99-100, 102, 124, 125, 126 

Hudson River, ....... 1 

Huguenot Church, New Rochelle, N. Y., ... 24 

Huguenot Memorial Church, Pelham Manor, N. Y., 167, 168, 176, 179, 180 

Huguenot Settlement at New Rochelle, N. Y., . 3 

Humphrey, Elder Cornelius, ..... 49 

Hunter, Rev. John H., ...... 107 



2I 4 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Huntington, Rev. Jonathan, 

Huntting, Rev. William, .... 

Hyde, Rev. Eli, . . . . . . 

Hyde, Rev. William Albert, 
Hyndshaw, Rev. James B., 

Incorporation of Presbytery of Westchester, Act of, 
Incorporation of the Early Presbyterian Churches, 
Indian Paths, 
Indians, Collection for, 
Inglis, Rev. David, 
Intemperance, 
Irving, Rev. David, 
Irvington (N. Y.) Church, 



Jackson, Rev. Abel, 
Jackson, Rev. Thomas, 
James II, . 
Jersey City, N. J., . 
Jevvett, Rev. A. D. L., 
Johnston, Licentiate Frederick, 
Johnston, Rev. James W., . 145, 1 

Johnston, Rev. John, 
Joline, Rev. John, . 
Jones, Rev. Daniel, 
Jones, Rev. Eliphalet, 
Jones, Rev. John, . 
Judd, Rev. Benjamin, 
Judicial Commissions, 



Katonah (N. Y.) Church, . 

Kellogg, Rev. Samuel, 

Kelsey, Licentiate William S. 

Kent, Chief Justice James, 

Kent, Rev. Elisha, 

" Kent's Parish," 

Kenyon, Licentiate Fergus L. 

Ker, Rev. Nathan, 

King, Rev. Andrew, 

King, Rev. Walter, 

King's Bridge, N. Y., 

Kip, Rev. Isaac L., 

Knight, Rev. Richard Waller, 

Knypers, Rev. William P., 

Lake Mahopac, N. Y., 
Lane, Rev. Charles S., 
Lane, Rev. Saurin E., 
Lathrop, Rev. Daniel W., 



46, 147 



107, 131 
165 
9 S 
67 

104, 107 

192 
28 
1 

40 

104, 105 
7, 154, 184 



104, 106, 10S, in, 113, 142 
166, 167, 168, 171, 177 



65, 68, 86 
66, 100 
22 
66 

!75 
170 

158, 166, 167, 172, 176 



16, 17 



33, 35 



18, 31, 



52 

66, 67, 82, 91 
18 
18, 25 

40, $2, 53, IOO 
I 9 0-I9I 

167, 176, l8o' 
IO4, I06 
I70 

S3, 77 
33, 35> 3 6 > 53-4 
33 
147 

5*> 5 2 , 95 
5 r > 5 2 > 73 
96 
42 

167, 172 
66, 82, 91 
96 

114 

16S, 176 
145, 146 
165, 169 



GENERAL INDEX. 



215 



Law, Rev. Sidney G., 
Leadbetter, Rev. Alexander 
Ledoux, Rev. L. P., 
Lee, Judge Elijah, 
Lee, Rev. Chauncey D., 
Lee, Rev. Henry F., 
Leete, Report of Governor, 
Leggett, Rev. John H., 
Lewis, Rev. Amzi, . 
Lewis, Rev. Ichabod, 
Lewis, Rev. Isaac, 1st, 
Lewis, Rev. Isaac, 2d, 
Lewis, Rev. Valentine A., . 
Life, Rev. William, 
Lincoln, Assassination of President, 
Lindsley, Rev. Aaron L., . 
Lindsley, Rev. Charles E., 
Litchfield North Consociation, 
" Little Nine Partners near ye Obi 
Livingston, Rev. Henry G., 
Livingston, William, 
Lockwood, Jacob, . 
London, Bishop of, 
Long Island, 
Long Island Sound, 
Long, Rev. Chester, 
Long, Rev. John D., 
Lord, Rev. Charles E., 
Lord, Rev. William R., 
Loring, Rev. Josephus B., . 
Lowe, Rev. John G., 
Lundy, Rev. John, 
Lyman, Rev. Asa, 
Lynn, Rev. John F., 
Lyon, Rev. David C, 
Lyttle, Licentiate Eugene W., 

Macdonald, Licentiate Peter M. 
Macoubrey, Rev. Anthony R., 
Madeira, Rev. Addison D., 
Magee, Rev. George A., 
Mahopac Falls (N. Y.) Church, 



Mallery, Rev. Charles P., 
Mamaroneck, N. Y., 
Mansfield, Lord, 
28 



59, 6:, 



167 

103, 106, 108, 144 
106 
72, 73 
. 144, 165, 169 
108, 144, 145, 165, 175 
12 

. 101, 103, 107 

j, 64, 66, 63, 70, 76, 82, 86, 87, 90, 94 
33, 34, 35> 40, 44, 46, 49, S 2 , S3, 7° 

73 

96, 97, 100 
45, 146, 147, 163, 166 
165 
1 6 1-2 

104, 107, 113, 145, 146, 151 
165, 172 
14 

35, 37, 39 
104, 108, 109 

30 
39 
21, 22 

1, 47 

102, 103, 106, 125, 142 
168, 175 

167, 176 

167, 169, 173 
67 

65, 68, 82 
104, 106, 109 
100 

168, 170, 176 
104, 105 

170 

170 

145, 146, 165, 168, 172, 174 

168, 172 
144, 146, 149 

5> 7, 8, 33> 35, 37, 39, 5 2 , 65, 67, 69, 91, 
92, 102, 103, 104, 107, 112, 113, 121, 122, 
131, 138, 145, 146, 151, 165, 166, 167, 168, 171 

168, 175 
113,114 
22 



2l6 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Manwarring, Rev. Giles, 
Marcy, Rev. Bradford. 
Marsh, Rev. Daniel, 
Marshall, Rev. William, 
Mason, Rev. John, 
Massachusetts, Bloodshed 
Mather, Rev. Warham, 
Mattice, Rev. Robert B., 
McCampbell, Rev. George M., 
McDougall, Rev. James, Ji 
McHarg, Rev. Charles R., 
McKee, Rev. Joseph, 
McKelvey, Rev. Hugh A., 
McKnight, Rev. John, 
McLaughlin, Rev. D. D. T 
McLaughlin, Rev. Edward 
McLean, Rev. William, 
McLeod, Rev. Robert B. E 
McMillan, Rev. George W 
McNiece, Rev. John, 
Mead, Elder Andrew, 
Mead, Elder Thomas, 
Mead, Rev. Mark, 
Mead, Rev. Solomon, 
Meikle, Rev. William, 
Merrick, Rev. James L., 
Middletown (N. Y.) Church 
Milford, Conn., 
Millard, Rev. Nelson, 
Milledoler, Rev. Philip, 
Miller, Elder David, 
Miller, Rev. Alexander, 
Miller, Rev. Samuel, 
Mills, Rev. Frank V., 
Mills, Rev. Samuel, 
Milton, N. Y., 
Ministers, Credentials of 
Ministers, Gifts of Land to, 
Ministers, Reception of, 
Ministers, Rolls of, 
Ministry, Laws for Settling of, 
Ministry, Maintenance of, 
Minor, Rev. Jehu, . 
Minutes, Abstracts of, 
Minutes, Printed, . 
Missionaries of the Gospel Propa 
Missionary Societies, 
Missionary Society of New York, 
Missions, Board of Foreign, 



ation 



Society 



104, 107, 144, 145 
100 

63, 64, 65, 67, 85, 86, 87 
172 

103, 107, 138 

41 

24 

167, 171, 172 

167, 174 

165 
171 

166 
77 
174 

66, 82, 101 
66 

2, 103, 105, 109, no, 125, 137 

67 

65, 66, 89, 96, 1 o'o 
125 
"3 
106 

6, I9> 3 T > 3 2 , 33' 34, 36, 49, 5 6 

104, 106, 174 
144 

65, 68, 69, 89, 91 

2 

165, 173 
96 

135 

168, 171 
96 

168 

33, 34, 35. 40, 45, 46 
86 
20, 21 

9 
128 

33, 64-6, 103-4, 144-5, 165-8 
23, 26 
8-1 1 

33, 36, 53> 100 
192, 193 
192 
4, 25 
119, 120 
96 
121 



\ 



GENERAL INDEX. 



21^ 



104, 108 



Missions, Board of, 
Missions, Foreign, 
Missions, Home, 
Mitchell, Rev. Gordon, 
Money, 

Monilaws, Rev. George, 
Monroe (N. Y.) Church, 
Montgomery, Licentiate John, 
Moore, Rev. Edward C, 
Moore, Rev. James G., 
Morgan, Rev. Joseph, 
Morrill, Rev. George W., 
Morris, Col. Lewis, 
Morrisania (N. Y.) First Church 
Morrisania (N. Y.), Upper, The Union P 
Morse, Rev. Andrew B., 
Morse, Rev. B. Y., . 
Morton, Rev, James, . 
Mount Kisco (N. Y.) Church, 
.Mount Pleasant (N. Y.) Church, 

Mount Vernon, N. Y., 
Mount Vernon Fii-st Church, . 
Mudge, Rev. Lewis W., 
Muirson, Rev. George, 
Mundy, Rev. Ezra F., 
Murdoch, Rev. David, 
Myers, Rev. A. B. L., 

Narragansett Pier (R. I.) Church, 
Narratives, 

Nesbit, Rev. Alexander, 
Neutral Ground, 
New Brunswick, Presbytery of, 
Newburgh (N. Y.) Church, . 
New Canaan, . . 
Newcomb, Rev. Homer S., 
New Fairfield (Ct.) South Society, 
New Haven, Conn., 
New Haven First Church, 
New Haven, South Reformed Chui 
New Hempstead (N. Y.) Church, 
Newman, Rev. Arthur, 
New Paltz (N. Y.) Church, . 
New Rochelle,N. Y.,". 
New Rochelle Church, 

New Windsor (N. Y.) Church, 



40, 82, 96, 1 



esby 



terian Church 



of, 



120 

21, I23, 156, 185 

22, I23, I56, 185 

167, 169, 176 

9, 11 
174 

66, 68, 69, 89, 91 
170 
168, 176 
104, 108 
18, 24, 25 
167 

23. 2 7 
178 
177 
16S 
67 
167 

66, 167, 16S, 172 
:, 66, 69, 91, 100, 
11, 165, 168, 174 
180 

168, 176, 180 
166, 176 

25, 2 7 
65, i73> J 76, 194 
168, 173 
144, 147 

182 

-7, 154-5, l8 3-4 
165, 169, 175 
42-4, 46 
17, 18 

99 
86 

145, 147, 168 
65 

h 147 
65, 168, 176, 180 
165, 176, 180-1 
65, 69 
172 
68, 99 
2, 5 

5, 7, 12, 24, 96, 100, IO3, I07, 121, 
I38-I4O, 165, l66, 167, l68, 172 

• 35, 37, 5h 99 



no, 145, 146, 

34, 39, 44, 5 
103, 104, 106, ] 



145, 146, 163, 1 



GENERAL INDEX. 



New York, . . 

New York, First Congregational Church, . . 65 

New York, Presbytery of, . 16, 17, 18, 32, 36, 52, 54, 

97, 98, 100-1, 102, 

New York, Rose Street Church, 
Nimmo, Rev. Joseph, . 
Nine Partners, N. Y., . 
Niven, Rev. Duncan C, 
Niven, Rev. Thornton M., Jr. 
Nixon, Rev. George, 
North Castle, N. Y., . 
Northern Associated Presbytery, 
North New York Church, 
North River, Presbytery of, 
Northrop, Elder Aaron, 

North Salem (N. Y.) Church, 5, 16, 34-5, 37, 38, 39, 45, 51, 
91, 92, 94, 99, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 109, 145, 146, 
North Stamford (Ct.) Church, 
Norwalk, Conn., 
Nott, Rev. Samuel, 

Oakly, John, . 
" Oblong, The," 
Orr, Rev. Robert W., . 
Osborn, Rev. Joel, 

Osborn, Rev. , 

Osborne, Rev. Truman, 
Ostrom, Rev. James I., 
Overseers, 
Owen, Elder John, 
Owen, Rev. Henry J., . 
Owen, Rev. Joseph, 



Palmer, Elder John, 
Parishes of Westchester County 
Parish officers, . 
Parsippany (N. J.) Church 
Patterson, N. Y., 
Patterson (N. Y.) Church, 



N. Y 



43. 47 

67, 69, 84, 85, 91 
59. 85, 91, 95» 96, 
H3i T 44, 177, 178 
67, 85, 91 
103, 107, 108, 138 
49 

145, 146 
165, 174 
165, 175 
2, 42, 44 

86 

176, 180 

92, 95, 98-9, 101, 138, 164, 176 
135 

62, 64, 65, 66, 69, 
[65, 166, 168, 172 
. 64, 68, 90, 94 



100 



65, 82, 



63 
35, 37 
1 20- 1 
)8, 100 

99 
100 



20 

132, 135 
170, 174 
104, 108, 109 

114, 163 

23 
20, 23 

59 

3 

h 95> 99> IO °, 



Patterson, Rev. William, 

Payne, Rev. Thomas, . 
Peck, Rev. Joseph, 
Peekskill, N. Y., 
Peekskill (N. Y.) Church, 

Peekskill First Church, 



5, J 9. 33, 34, 37, 39, 46, 5 2 , 57, 65, 

IOI, I02, IO3, IO5, I2T, I45, I46, 165, 167, l68, I72 
IO3, IO5, IO9, III, 112, 113, I35, 142, I45, 
I46, I5I, I58, 163, 165, 169, I73 
. # I07 

■ 16, 19, 3h 33, 34, 57 

■ 7, 78, 96 

7, 8, 68, 78, 95, 96, 98, 100, 101, 103, 107, 
109, in, 140, 166, 167, 172-3 
'. . . . . 166, 167, 172 



I 



General index. 



219 



Peekskill Independent Presbyterian Church, 
Peekskill Second Church, 
Peekskill St. Peter's Church, . 
Pelham Manor, N. Y., 
Pelham, N. Y., . 
Penman, Rev. John S., 
Perkins, Rev. Jason, 
Permanent Clerks, 
Perry, Rev. Talmon C, 
Pettigrew, Rev. Samuel, 
Phelps, Rev. Samuel, . 
Philadelphia Convention, 
Philadelphia, Presbytery of, 
Philippi (N. Y.) Church, 
Philipsborough, N. Y., . 
Philipse Patent, N. Y., 
Phillips, Licentiate James K., . 
" Phillips Precinct " First Church, 
" Phillips Precinct " Second Church, 
" Phillips Precinct " West Church, 
Philippi, West, Church, 
Phraner, Rev. Wilson, 
Picton, Rev. Thomas, . 
Pinckney, Elder Ira, 
Pine Plains (N. Y.) Church, . 
Pittsburgh (N. Y.) Church, 
Pittsburgh (Pa.) Convention, 
Pittstown, N. Y., 
Plan of Union, . 
Piatt, Rev. Isaac W., . 
Piatt, Rev. W. K., 
Pleasant Valley (N. Y.) Church, 
Pleasantville (N. Y.) Church, 
Polity of the Connecticut Churches, 
Port Chester (N. Y.) Church, 



Porter, Elder James, 
Porter, Rev. David, 
Potts Memorial Church, 
Potts, Rev. Arthur, 
Potts, Rev. George, 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., . 
Poughkeepsie (N. Y.) Church 



Pound Ridge (N. Y.) Church, 
k 

Presbyterial Visitation, 
Presbyterian Education Society, 
Presbyterian Providence Society, 



33, 35. 37, 
102, 103, 105 



65, 68, 78-9, 89, 91, 92 
[65, 166, 167, 168, 173, 176 
8 
3 

23, 25 
168, 170, 171 
65, 82, 100 
194 

145, 159, 165 
104, 107, 109 
65, 66, 84, 91 

*34, 135 
17, 18 

17, 33, 44 
3 

170 

16, 18, 31, 33, 37, 38 

16, 33, 34, 37, 3§, 45 

16, 70 

17, 19 
165, 174, 180 

98, 102, 103 
114 
99 

34, 39, 5 2 , 6 9> 99 
132 
69 

128, 131, 135 
175 
174 

33, 35, 37, 39, 52, 69, 99 
167, 168, 176, 180 

13-15 

104, 108, no, 144, 145, 146, 
165, 167, 168, 173 

73 
86 

167, 173, T 78 
166, 173 
178 

86 

33, 34, 37, 39, 65, 67, 69, 91, 99 
39, 45, 46, 52, 65, 68, 69, 91, 100, 
, 115, !2i, 145, M6, 151, 165, 173 
1 1 8-9, 154, 186-7 
119 
35.37 



220 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Presbyterian Society, 
Presbytery, Associated Westchester, 
Presbytery, Northern Associated, 
Presbytery, Saratoga Associated, 
Presbytery of Albany, 
Presbytery of Bedford, 
Presbytery of Connecticut, 
Presbytery of Dutchess County, 
Presbytery of Hudson, 52, 73, 79 

Presbytery of Long Island, 
Presbytery of Morris County, . 
Presbytery of New Brunswick, 
Presbytery of New York, 16, 17, 



Presbytery of New York, Fourth, 
Presbytery of New York, Second, 
Presbytery of New York, Third, 
Presbytery of North River, 



Raids, British, 
Ramsey, Rev. James B., 
Rates, Church, 
Raymond, Elder Edward, 
Read, Elder Aaron, 
Red Mills (N. Y.) Church, 



97 

. 52, 58-94, 98 
86, 87, 89 

' 86, 89 

38.95 
95,102-142,151 
. 140, nr, 143-163, 164 
• 7, 16, 31-57, 71, 74, 75, 95, 97 
9 1 . 95' 99-100, 102, 103, 124, 125, 126 

96 

59, 62, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 89, 93 
17,18 

3 2 . 36, 37, 5 2 > 58, 59. 85, 91, 95, 96-98, 
100-1, 102, 103, in, 143, 144, 149, 
150, 164, 169, 177, 178, 183 
in, 139, 177, 178 

91, 92, 102, III, 164, I77 

• 138, i39, 147. 164, 177 
91, 92, 95, 98-99, 101, 102, 
103, 1 38, 152, 164, 176 
17,18 
• 17, 18, 37. 5 6 
1, 165-195 



Presbytery of Philadelphia, 
Presbytery of Suffolk, 
Presbytery of Westchester, 
Price, Rev. Eliphalet, . 
Prime, Rev. Nathaniel S., . . . . 103, 106, 125 

Prime, Licentiate Samuel Irenaeus, . . . 10S 

Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, Society for, . 4, 25 

Providence (R. I.) Church, . . . . 144, 146, 148-149 

Provision pay, . . ... . 11 

Purdy, Elder James, . . . . . 159 

Purdy, Rev. Abraham, . . . . -65, 66, 68, 82 

Quinn, Rev. Michael, . 



45 

104, 108 

• v • 9. I0 » 2 °> 2 3» 2 5 

158 

112, 117, 125 

5. 7. 8, 33, 35, 37, 39, 52, 65, 67, 69, 91, 92, 102, 
103, 104, 107, 114, 115, 121, 122, 131, 138, 
145, 146, 151, 165, 166, 167, 168, 171 
Reformed Church, Board of Domestic Missions of, . . 181 

Reid, Rev. Lewis H , . . . . . 167, 168 



Reid, Rev. John, 

Relief Fund, .... 
Religious Liberty, 

Religious Privileges of the Early Settlers, 



167, 175 
40, 123, 156, 185 



GENERAL INDEX. 



221 



Remington, Rev. David, 
Requa, Rev. Arthur, 
Reunion of 1869, 
Revivals, 

Revolution, American, 
Rice, Rev. Chauncey D., 
Richardson, Rev. ^Richard H 
Ridgebury (N. Y.) Church, 
Ridgefield, Conn., 
Ridgefield Patent, 
Riggs, Rev. Charles H., 
Riverdale (N. Y. ) Church, 
Roberts, Rev. Evan, 
Roberts, Zachariah, 
Robertson, Rev. Samuel, 
Rodger, Rev. James G., 
Rogers, Licentiate Arthur G. 
Rogers, Rev John, 
Rogers, Rev. Medad, 
Rolls of Churches, 
Rolls of Ministers, 
Roman Catholics, 
Romeyn, Rev. John B 
Rumbout (Fishkill, N. Y.) Church 
Rye, N. Y., 
Rye (N. Y.) Church, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 1 

IOI, 102, 103, IO7, 115, 121, 

Sabbath Desecration, 
Sabbath-schools, 

Sabellianism, .... 
Sacket, Rev. Samuel, 



18-19, 



3-35' 66-69 



102, 103, 107 
. 168, 170, 171 
156-160 
82, 115, 154, 184 
29, 41-46, 96-98 
167 

104, 107, 145, 146, 151 
68, 69, 91 
65, 91 
2, 6 
167 

166, 167, 168, 173, 177 
66 
25 
101 
168, 176 
170 

• ' 77, 79, 96 
63, 64, 65 
99-101, 105-108, 145-146, 171-176 
33, 64-66, 103-4, 144-5, l6 5~ 8 
20 
96 

33- 34, 37, 39, 5 2 > 65, 99 
2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 23, 25 
7, 18, 26, 27, 33, 34, 37, 44, 46, 97, 
144, H5, 146, 150, 165, 168, 173-4 

. 117, 154, 184 
119,154,155,184 



7, ii, 



Sahler, Rev. Daniel D., 
Salem (South Salem, N. 



Y.) Church, 5, 7, 16, 
99, 101, 103, 
135, 145. 146 

Salem (Conn.) Church, 

Salem, Upper (North Salem, N. Y.) Church, 

51, 62, 64, 65, 66, 69, 
104, 106, 109, 135, 145 
Saratoga Associated Presbytery, 
Saunders, Rev. Stephen, 
Savoy Confession, 
Sawpit, N. Y., . 
Sawyer, Rev. Robin A., 
Saxton, Rev. Noah C, 
Saybrook Platform, 



16, 17, 18, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 
37, 45, 55-6, 74, 75 
. 166, 169, 171 
'9, 31, 33, 34, 37, 39, 52, 5 6 , 

IO4, IO7, IO9, II5, 121, 122/ 
I5I, 159, 165, 167, l68, I74 
. " . 65,68 

5, 16, 34-5, 37, 38, 39, 45, 
91, 92, 94, 99, 101, 102, 103, 
, 146, 151, 165, 166, 168, 172 
86, 89 

- 101, 102, 103, 107 

13, i4 
no 

166, 171, 176 
97, 101 
!3> T 4 



222 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Saybrook, Synod of, 
Scarsdale, Manor of, N. Y., 
Schenck, Rev. Elias S., 
Schenck, Rev. Harris R., 
Scotland, Licentiate Alexander 
Scott, John Morris, 
Scott, Rev. Willard, . 
Scudder, Rev. Henry M., 
Seamen's Friend Society, 
Secession of Rev. Samuel Sacket and the Crompond C 
Seeley, Rev. Amos, 
Seeley, Rev. Augustus H., 
Seeley, Rev. Charles, 
Seeley, Rev. George A., % . 
Settlement of Putnam County, N. Y., 
Settlement of Westchester County, N. Y 
Settlers, Col. Heathcote's Description of, 
Settlers, Dutch, 
Settlers, English, 
Settlers, French, 
Seward, Rev. Dwight M., 
Sharon, Conn., 
Sharon Mountain, Conn., 
Sherwood, Rev. Nathan M., 

Shiland, Rev. Andrew, . . 104, 108, 142 

Shimeall, Rev. Richard C, 
Simcoe, Col., . 
Sinclair, Rev. James, 

Sing Sing (N. Y.) Church, . 5, 33, 34, 37, 39, 44 



Sing Sing Prison, 
Slavery, 

Sloughter, Governor, 
Smith, Elder William L., 
Smith, Dr. Matson, 
Smith, Licentiate William, 
Smith, Rev. E. Bailey, 
Smith, Rev. John, 
Smith, Rev. J. Ritchie, 
Smith, Rev. Roswell D., 
Smith, Rev. Thomas G., 
Smith, Rev. T. Ralston, 
Smith, Rev. William H., 
Smith, Rev. Zenas, 
Smith, William, 
Smithfield (N. Y.) Church, 
Smuller, Rev . Henry W . , 
Snyder, Rev. Peter, 



i3> U 
24 

104, 106, 168, 172 
167, 169, 171, 172 
170 
30 

167, 175 
172 
121 

hurch, 36 
106 

104, 106, 145, 146 
68 
174 

1 
4 



3 

- 165, 175 

45 

69 

. 145, 146, 147 
145, 146, 151, 158, 165 
. 178 

45 

108, 146 
, 46, 52, 66, 69, 91, 100, 
102, 103, 104, 106, in, 165, 168, 174 

103 

. 161 

22 

"3» J 35 
139 
170 

. 145, 165, 169 
16, 17, 18, 32, 33, 34, 35, 54-5 
• 167, 169, 173 
. 145, 146, 166 
67, 98, 101 
166, 175 
166 
68 
30 
99 

104, 108, 145, 146, 151, 159 
172 



GENERAL INDEX. 



223 



Somers, N. Y., 

Somers (N. Y.) Church, 8, 65, 68, 69, 91, 103, 1 
Sours, Elder Ephraim, . 

South East Center (N. Y.) Church, . 104, 108, 



South East (N. Y.) Church, 16, 17, 18, 31, 33, 

100, 10 r 



South Salem (N. Y.) Church, see Salem 
Spaulding, Rev. Joshua, 
Specie, . 
Spiritual Life, < 
Spuyten Duyvil Creek, 
Stamford, Conn., 
Stamford First Church, 
Stanford (N. Y.) Church, 
Stansbury, Rev. Abraham O. 
State of the Country, 
Stated Clerks, . 
Statistical Reports, 
Stebbins, Rev. George, 
Stebbins, Rev. Henry H., 
Steele, Rev. Thomas C, 
Sterling, Licentiate Richard, 
Stevens, Rev. John, 
Stewart, Rev. William, 
Stillwater (N. Y.) Church, 
Stipends, 

St. John, Elder Moses, 
St. John, Rev. John R., 
Stoddard, Rev. Jason B., 
St. Peter's Church, Peekskill, N 
Strong, Rev. Addison K., 
Strong, Rev. Benjamin, 
Sturgeon, Rev. Robert, 

Sturges, Rev. , 

Succasunna (N. J.) Church, 
Suffolk, Presbytery of, 
Sunday Milk-Traffic, 
Sybrandt, Licentiate William H 
Synod of New York, 

Synod of New York and New Jersey, 
Synod of New York and Philadelphia, 
Synod of Pittsburgh, 
Systematic Beneficence, 

Tariffville (Ct.) Church, 
Tarlton, Col., 
29 



08, no, 131, 137-8, 165, 174 
114, 159 

in, 114, 140, 144, 145, 146, 
150, 151, 165, 168, 174, 181 

37. 3 8 > 39. 44. 46, 5 2 . 96, 99. 
102, 103, 105, no, 114, 135, 
140, 144, 145, 146, 166, 174 
(South Salem, N. Y.) Church. 

98, 100 
9 

82, 1 1 5-6, 154-5, 183-4 
42 
2, 147 

147, 165, 166, 167, 174 
64, 67, 69 
101 

41-7, 160-2, 192 
53, 142, 163, 194 
:i6, 123, 155, 156, 184, 185 
100, 102, 103, 107, 125 
166, 173 
146, 166, 169, 175 
102 
86 
104 
65 
8-1 1 

73 
65, 82 
67, 146 
8 

168, 171 

33> 35. 36 
18 

34 
59 

• 17, 18, 37. 5 6 
. 117-8,154-5 
170 

113, 124, 125, 126, 127, 140, 
i44, 149, i53. l6 4, 189 
• 38. 49. Sh 5 2 . 95. 98 
3 1 . 3 2 . 3 6 . 48, 49 
120 
121 



144. 



45. i5°> !54 
45 



224 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Tarrytown, N. Y., 
Tarrytown Dutch Church, 
Taylor, Rev. James H., 
Taxation for Support of Churches 
Teese, Rev. David, 
Teller, Elder Joshua, 
Temperance, 
Tennent, Rev. William, 
Tennessee, 

Terrett, Licentiate William R 
Terry, Licentiate Israel N., 
Terry, Rev. Calvin, 
Terry, Rev. Roderick, . 
Theological Seminary, . 
Thirty-nine Articles, 
Thomas, Rev. J. H., . 
Thompson, Rev. Andrew, 
Thompson, Rev. Robert G., 
Thompson, Rev. William J., 
Thompsonville (Ct.) Church, 
Throgg's Neck (N. Y.) Church 
Todd, Rev. George T., 
Toleration, The Act of, 
Tomlinson, Rev. George, 
Townley, Rev. John, 
Tract Cause, 
Tract Societies, 
Tracy, Rev. William, . 
Treasurers, 

Tremont (N. Y.) Church, 
Trial of Dr. Ebenezer White 
Trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith 
Trussell, Rev. John H., 
Trustees of the Presbytery of 
Trustees of the Society of M< 
Tryon, Governor, 
Twombly, Rev. Alexander S. 



Union (N. Y.) Church, 
Uniformity, The Act of, 
United Foreign Missionary Society, 
Upson, Rev. Charles E., 

Vail, Rev. Richard P. H., 
Van Brunt, Rev. Rutgers, 
Van Cortlandt, Manor of, 
Van Keuren, Rev Benjamin, 
Van Rennselaer, Elder William P. 



143. H4: 



Westchester, 
County, 



45» J 46 



1 
1 

172 

5, 9, 10, 20, 23, 26 
104, 106, 145, 146, 151 
158 
117 

EI, l6, I7,-l8 

65 
170 
170 
144 

167, 169, 173 
122, I23 
14 
67 
100 

112, 135, 144, i45>*63 
145, 146, 166, 171 
158, 165, 166, 168, 175 
166, 168, 175 
104, 108, 109 
22 

166, 169 
63, 65, 67, 90, 98 
122 
120 

166, 169 
E42, 163, 194 
E65, 175, 177 

137-138 
124-127 
168, 174 
195 
59 
29 

165, 175 

33> 5 2 > 6 5> 96, 100 
22 
119 
168 

167, 175 
104, 108 

2 

104 
ii3> 158 



GENERAL INDEX. 



225 



Van Slyke, Rev. Evert, 
Vestrymen, 

" View of the Late Difficulties," etc., 
Visitation, Presbyterial, 

Waite, Rev. Henry R., 
Walker, Rev. George, 
Walkill (N. Y.) Church, 
Wallace, Elder John, 
Wallace, Rev. Charles C, 
Waller, Rev. William B., 
Walton (N. Y.) Church, 
Walton, Rev. John, 
Wappingers Creek (N. Y.) Church, 
Ward, Rev. Edmund, . 
Welcher, Rev. Manfred P., 
Wells, Rev. Elijah D., 
Westchester, N. Y., . 
Westchester (N. Y.) Church, . 
Westchester Co., N. Y., 
Westchester, Presbytery of, 
Western Foreign Missionary Society, 
" Western Memorial," . 
Westervelt, Rev. Samuel D., 
West Farms (N. Y.) Church, 
Westminster Church, Yonkers, N. Y 
Westminster Standards, 

West Somers (N. Y.) Congregational Church 
Whipple, Rev. William W., . 
Whitcomb, Rev. C. B., 
White, Elder Ebenezer, M.D., 
White, Rev. Erskine N., 
White, Rev. Irving E., 
White, Rev. John, 1st, . 
White, Rev. John, 2d, . 
White, Licentiate John, 
White, Rev. Samuel, 
White Plains, N. Y., . 
White Plains (N. Y.) Church, 5, 



Whitestown, N. Y., 
Whittemore, Rev. Williams H 
Wickes, Rev. Thomas S., 
Wickham, Rev. Joseph D., 
Willard, Rev. Livingston, 
William and Mary, 
Windham, Conn., 
Wisewell, Rev. George F., 



166, 175 

23 
7i 

1 18-9, 154, 186-7 

167, 176 
104, 106, 109 

5i, 52, 68 

*35 
166, 171 

168, 172 

65 
18 

, 99 
18 

167, 169, 174, 176 
100 

2, 5, 6, 7, 23, 26, 27 
5, 6, 7, 25, 26, 27 
, 23, 25, 28. 42, 45, 96 
. 95, 164-195 
120, 121, 133, 134 

IO4, 105, I45, I46, 151 

00, 107, in, 165, 167, 168, 175 
166, 167, 168, 175-6, 177 
14, 31, 32, 49, 50, 51 

138 
168 

174 

T 35, 137-8 
172 
168, 175 
66, 68 
105, 106 
109 
67 

2, 42, 46, 64, 98 
3- 34, 37, 44, 46, 54, 55, 9§, *oi, 102, 
ro3, 104, 106, 121, 145, 146, 151, 166, 175 

85 

101, 107 
100 
100 

173 
22 
148 
l 73 



96, 



18, 



226 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Women's Missionary Societies, 
Wood, Licentiate Charles, 
Wood, Rev. Frank A., 
Woodhull, Rev. Nathan, 
Wright, Rev. Edward, . 
Wynkoop, Rev. Richard, 



186 
170 

166, 169, 170 

96 

103, 106, 109 
105, no, 124, 125, 127 



1, 23, 177 
167, 176, 179, 180 
166, 167, 175, 177 
166, 167, 168, 175, 177 
2 



Yonkers, N. Y., 

Yonkers, N. Y., Dayspring Church, 
Yonkers, N. Y., First Church, 
Yonkers, N. Y., Westminster Church, 
Yorktown, N . Y . , 

Yorktown (N. Y.) Church, 5, 7, 9, n, 18, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 45, 46, 52, 55, 

56, 60, 65, 67, 69, 71-78, 99, 100, roi, 102, 
103, 104, 105, 115, 12T, 122, 124-127, 
145, 146, 151, 166, 167, 176 
Yorktown (N. Y.) Congregational Church, 67, 69, 71-78, 91, 103, 124-127 
Young, Elder Ezra, . . . . . . 125, 135 

Young, Rev. Daniel, ....... 68 



CORRIGENDA.* 



Page 5, line 7, after Sabbath insert ". 
" 18, lines II and 27, after Edmund Ward read 1727-1729. 
" 24, " 13 and 24, read Boudet or Bondet. 
" 25, line house read home. 

" 31, " 24, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, pp. 
1 and 2.] 

Page 32, line 26, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, 
pp. 4 and 5.] 

Page 32, line 33, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, 
P- 5-] 

Page 33, line 6, for 1862 read 1762. 
" " " 1 2, after Rumbout insert " " 
" " " 25, for Nov. 24 read Nov. 25. 
" " " 39, for June 17 read June 18. 
" 34, lines 24 and 44, for Oct. 11 read Oct. 12. 
" " line 40, for 1774 read Oct. 1773. 
" " " 41, for 1863-1763 read 1763-1767. 
" " after Charlotte Precinct, for May 12 read May 2. 
" 35» a fter Presb. Providence, y»r May 12 read May 2. 
" 36, line 18, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, p. 

43-] 

Page 37, line 21, for Rondout read Rumbout. 

Page 41, line 28, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, 
pp. 90-1.] 

Page 42, line 14, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, p. 
94-] 

Page 46, line 23, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, 
pp. 124-5.] 

Page 47, line 31, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, p. 
1 37-] 

Page 49, line 1, after Virginia insert a comma. 

* The author is responsible for most of the errors and all of the omissions, 
to which attention is here called. While, perhaps, they are not of great im- 
portance, yet accuracy and completeness demand that the corrections should 
be made. 



228 



CORRIGENDA. 



Page 50, line 37, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, 
pp. 130-133.] 

Page 52, line 24, for pastors read pastor. 
" " " 25, for Warrick read Warwick. 
" 53» " 7if or John Minor read Jehu Minor. 
" 56, " 32, for May 13 read Sept 4. 
" " last line, omit 4 after Sept. 
" 57, line 1, for 1813 read 1812. 
" 64, last line, _/J?r Cornwell read Cornwall. 
" 65, line 14, for Feb. 23 read Feb. 24. 
" " " 30, for Sept. 27 read Sept. 28. 
" " " 42, for June 3 June 4. 
" 66, " II, after Knight insert S. S., Sing Sing. 
" 67, " 16, for 1810-1812 read 1810-1811. 
" " " 22, for May 8 read May 9. 
" " " 22, for May 13 r<?a</ May 14. 
" " " 26, for Stamford read Stanford. 
" 68, " 6, for Nov. 18 read Nov. to,. 
" 69, " 32, for Stamford read Stanford. 
" 89, " 3, for October 17 read October 18. 
" 93, " 14, for 10 read 18. 

" 99, above Robert Chapman insert Robert Porter, S.S. 

" 100, line 34, for Freeman read Truman. 

" 103, " 15, for July 24 read January 24. 

" " " 26, after Nathaniel insert S. 

" 104, " $,for Apr. 20, 1842, read Oct. 1841. 

" " " 23, insert S. S., Croton Falls. 

" " " 24, insert S. S., Croton Falls. 

" " " 44, for 1760 read i860. 

" 105, " 34, for Apr. 1859 read Apr.-Sept. 1859. 

" " " 3S, for Sept. 1833 read Apr. 1S31. 

" " " 40, before 1832 insert May-Sept. 

" 106, to list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of Lower Greenburgh add 
David Remington, S.S., May, 1831-Jan., 1832. 

Page 106, line 34, for Aug., 1832, read May, 1832. 

Page 107, to list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of West Farms add George 
Stebbins, S.S., 1828, and William Gray, S.S., 1835. 

Page 108, to list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of South East Center add 
Winthrop Bailey, S.S., Dec. 1853-June 28, 1854. 

Page 109, to list of Ordained add James R. Davenport, Oct. 13, 1836 ; Alex- 
ander Leadbetter, January 13, 1837; Robert W. Orr, Nov. 22, 1837; Edward 
D. Bryan, Oct. 9, 1838; Henry G. Livingston, Aug. 20, T845. 
Page 119, line 8, for of read embracing. 
" I3 X > " 21, for 332-3 read 3S2-3. 
" 144, " 24, for Aug. 12, 1857, read Aug. 2, 1857. 
" " next to last line, for Geo. T. Goodhue read Geo. F. Goodhue. 
" 145, line 31, for Dec. 13, 1869, read Dec. 26, 1869. 
" 146, " 10, for July 1, i86r, read January I, 1861. 



CORRIGENDA. 



229 



Pape 146, line i$ t for Geo. T. Goodhue read George F. Goodhue. 
" " " 36, for Dec. 13, 1869, read Dec. 26, 1869. 
" 147, to list of Ordained add Roswell D. Smith, July 26, 1864. 
" 150, line 3$, for T. read F. 
" 1*60, " 24, for last read least. 
" 166, " 25, for July 16 read January 16. 
" " " 27, for Tracey raz</ Tracy. 

" 167, " 9, #/fer Charles E. Lord insert S.S., Hug. Mem'l. 

" " 24, >r 1878 read 1887. 
;< " last line, for Cleveland read Cleaveland. 
" " foot note, before Dismissed insert \. 
" 168, line 3, for Mur clock read Murdoch. 

" " 1 7, for 1856 read 1886. 
" " " 37, after June 21, 1887 insert *Sept. 26, 1889. 
" 169, " 31 for Roderic read Roderick. 
" " next to last line,/*?/- Cleveland read Cleaveland. 
" 170, line 27, for Cleveland read Cleaveland. 

" 171, in list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of Darien insert below 
Edwards P. Cleaveland, Edward T. Brorhfield, S. S., 1882-1886. 
Page 171, next to last line, after June, 1888, insert May 29, 1889. 

" 173, in list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of Peekskill, 2d, insert 
Julius L. Danner, S.S., 1880-1881. 

Page 173, for Damarest read Demarest. 

" " for David Mur dock read David Murdoch. 

" ij4,for Anthony B. Macuubrey read Anthony R. 

" 175, line 19, for Feb. 1, 1889, read Feb. 3, 1889. 

" " for Matthew T. Adams read Matthew T. Adam. 

" " in list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of West Farms insert Wil- 
liam Gray, S.S., 1835-6. 

Page 175, line 44, for Apr. 22, 1874, read May 13, 1874. 

" 176, " 18, for Jan. 1878, read Jan. 1875. 

" 189, " 22, after New York insert and New England. 



